Bhashani’s 144th birth anniversary today

The 144th birth anniversary of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, a legendary political leader of the nation, is being observed across the country on Thursday with due respect.

On this occasion, various political parties and socio-cultural organizations arranged separate programs.

Born at village Dhanpara in Sirajganj on this day in 1880, Bhashani was bestowed with the epithet ‘Majlum Jananeta’, the leader of the oppressed, for dedicating his life to establishing the rights of the downtrodden people.

His father was Haji Sharafat Ali Khan. His formal education was limited to a few years at the local school and madrasa.

He was involved in politics from a youth age. He had always fought for the welfare of the common people of Bangladesh.

He began his career as a primary school teacher at Kagmari in Tangail and then worked in a madrasa at village Kala (Haluaghat) in Mymensingh district.

Bhashani was popular for his fight against imperialism and oppression by Pakistani rulers.

In 1911, he began his political career, and was befriended by Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das.

He participated in Deshbandhu’s Swaraj movement and later also joined Khilafat Movement.

Later on 1936, Bhashani left Congress and joined the Muslim League. He also became the president of the Provincial Muslim League of Assam.

In 1937, he was elected as an unopposed member of the Assam Provincial Council.

On December 4 of that year, he announced the independence of East Pakistan in a public meeting in Paltan.

After independence, he was under house arrest for a long time.

Bhashani also worked as the chairman of the All Party Action Committee during the Liberation War.

He led the historic Farakka March in 1976 to ensure Bangladesh’s just rights to share of the Ganges River water.

He was the founder and president of the Pakistan Awami Muslim League which later became the Awami League (AL). He also formed a progressive political organisation, National Awami Party (NAP).

Bhashani, popularly known as “Majlum Jananeta” (the leader of the downtrodden), passed away on November 17, 1976.