Maulana Bhashani's 47th Death Anniv Today

The nation will observe the 47th anniversary of the death of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, a lifelong fighter for rights of the oppressed and leader of the toiling masses, on Friday (November 17).

His relentless struggle against imperialism, feudalism and for an exploitation-free, secular and democratic society endeared him to the people.

His uncompromising fight for the cause of the people who were deprived of their rights earned him the epithet ‘Majlum Jananeta’, the leader of the oppressed.

The mass movements for a democratic, secular and just society greatly owe to him in this land, while his leadership lent momentum to left politics.

Bhashani was the founding president of the Awami Muslim League, now the Awami League, which came into being in 1949.

During the historic Kagmari Conference in Tangail, called by the Awami League on 7–8 February, 1957, Bhashani denounced and bade his famous ‘goodbye’ to Pakistani domination over East Pakistan, now Bangladesh.

On July 25, 1957, he formed the National Awami Party and was elected its president.

Born on December 12, 1880, to Haji Sharafat Ali and Mosammat Mojiron Bibi in Sirajganj of erstwhile East Bengal, Bhashani died on November 17, 1976 in Dhaka.

Bhashani was laid to rest at Santosh in Tangail where he spent the last few years of his life and established ‘Santosh Islamic University’ in 1974.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin, prime minister Sheikh Hasina issued messages on Thursday paying tributes to the great national leader.

Different political parties and socio-cultural organisations have planned elaborate programmes to mark the day.

A central delegation team of the BNP will place wreaths at Bhashani’s mazar at Santosh, offer prayers and arrange a prayer session and discussion there today.

Bhashani Onusari Parishad, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani Parishad, Ganosamhati Andolan and Rastra Sanskar Andolan leaders will place wreaths at the leader’s grave at 10:00am today.

Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani Parishad will hold a discussion meeting in front of Teacher-Student Centre at Dhaka University at 4:00pm today to mark the day.