Dhaka: The 42nd death anniversary of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, a great national leader, is being observed Today (Saturday) with due respect.

Bhasani, popularly known as ‘Majlum Jananeta’, the leader of the downtrodden, passed away on November 17, 1976.

Different social organisations and political parties have chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the day in a befitting manner.

Bhasani was a popular leader in his fight against imperialism and oppression of Pakistani rulers. He led the historic Farakka March in 1976 to ensure Bangladesh’s just rights to the share of the Ganges River water.

Born in 1880 in Dhangara, Sirajganj, Bhasani gained immense popularity among peasants. He is regarded as the proponent of secular and left-leaning politics in present-day Bangladesh.

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

Different organisations, including Bangladesh National Awami Party (NAP Bhasani), Moulana Bhasani University of Science and Technology, Bhasani Foundation and Shaheed Asad Parisad and other organisations will mark the day with holding various programmes.

The programmes included placing wreaths at Bhasani’s mazar, discussion, art competition and poetry recitation session.