Tributes pour in for Bhasani in Santosh

Thousands of people gathered in Tangail's Santosh yesterday and paid tributes to Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, a legendary politician of the subcontinent, on his 48th death anniversary.

Prof Anowerul Azim Akhanda, vice-chancellor of Maulana Bhasani Science and Technology University, along with teachers and students of the institution, paid homage to Bhasani by placing wreaths at his grave around 7:30am.

Later, Bhasani's family, different political parties, socio-cultural organisations and educational institutions paid tributes at his grave.

BNP later organised a rally there, where central BNP leaders Shamsuzzaman Dudu, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Ataur Rahman Dhali and Sayeed Sohrab spoke among others.

Bhasani, a dreamer of independent Bangladesh, fought against imperialism and oppression by the Pakistani rulers, earning the title "Mazlum Jana Neta". He played a significant role in the 1969 mass movement, and later led the historic Farakka Long March in 1976.

Bhasani founded the Pakistan Awami Muslim League and later formed National Awami Party. He passed away on November 17, 1976 and was buried in Santosh.