In Memory of the Three Leaders

Photo: Prabir Das

Do you remember the famous quote by Napoleon Bonaparte? "A leader is a dealer in hope." A.K. Fazlul Huq (1873-1962), Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy (1892-1963), and Khwaja Nazimuddin (1894-1964) — were such brave leaders, who had immense contribution to the pre-liberation politics in the 20th century. These three national leaders served as the Prime Minister of Bengal in British India and played legendary roles in the independence of Bangladesh. 

Though, they died on different dates, they were buried under the same roof, which is now known as 'Tin Netar Mazar', located at Shahbag, near Doyel Chatter.

A.K. Fazlul Huq, popularly known as Sher-e-Bangla (Tiger of Bengal), was a well known politician, famous for his leadership qualities. He was a statesman, public leader and was a holder of many highly regarded political posts.  He was the Mayor of Calcutta in 1935, Chief Minister of undivided Bengal from 1937 to 1943 and East Bengal in 1954. Later, in 1955, he became the Home Minister of Pakistan in 1955 and Governor of East Pakistan from 1956 to 1958. Even, Fazlul Huq was the first person to advocate and present the Lahore Resolution, calling for the creation of sovereign Muslim-majority states in eastern and north-western British India in 1940. But he is more notable for his outstanding contributions to the Bengali Language Movement. (Source: Banglapedia)

On the other hand, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, a skilful political organiser, was the 5th Prime Minister of Pakistan. According to Banglapedia, Suhrawardy held various important offices including the deputy mayoralty of the Calcutta Corporation in 1924, Labour and Commerce Minister in AK Fazlul Huq's Praja-League coalition government formed following the 1937 elections, the Prime Minister (chief minister) of undivided Bengal during 1946-1947, Law Minister in Mohammad Ali's Cabinet in Pakistan, during 1954-1955 and the Prime Minister of Pakistan during 1956-1957.

Khawaja Nazimuddin, was the second Governor-General of Pakistan in 1948, following the death of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He was the 2nd Prime Minister of Pakistan from 1951 to 1953, after the assassination of Liaquat Ali Khan. Suhrawardy had even served as the Minister of Labour and also the Minister of Civil Supplies under Nazimuddin's government.

Fazlul Huq had engaged in many political events with Huseyn Suhrawardy, such as forming the United Front in the 1954 elections, controlling the government of East Pakistan and many more. Yet, it was said that they had rivalry between them which had caused Fazul Huq to quit politics.

It was rumoured that these three political leaders had a rivalry amongst each other, in terms of success. Despite having such controversy, these three leaders are lying forever in the same spot.

The mausoleum, surrounded by an abundance of greenery, was established in 1963. It was designed by renowned architects Masood Ahmed and S. A. Zahiruddin. The gorgeous design of the shrine represents a beautiful interpretation of the Islamic architecture. 

There are two entrances to the mausoleum. A giant monument built in memory of the three national leaders can be sighted from far away. Although, you can find the replications of the tombs of the three leaders under the monument, the original graves are underground. The inner environment is quite different from the outside. The tombs, surrounded by the arches and pillars, created a melancholic atmosphere for the visitors.

At present, the overall environment of the great place is quite dissatisfactory. Most often, some vagabonds and drug addicts are seen loitering around, who have made the place a sanctuary for themselves. Sometimes, it is hard to find the only two staff members responsible for its maintenances.

Except some special occasions, the mausoleum is not open to the public. On special days, like the death anniversaries of the three leaders, people come to pay homage. Special prayers are arranged for the occasions.