Dhaka: The 40th anniversary of death of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani was observed across the country on Thursday through various programmes.

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

Marking the day, different political parties and organisations arranged various programmes.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages paying tributes to Maulana Bhasani.

BSS Tangail correspondent reports Bhasani’s death anniversary was observed in Tangail in a betting manner.

Tangail Maunala Bhasani Science and Technology University and socio-political and cultural organization observed the day through different programmes.

The programmes included offering wreaths at Bhasani’s grave at Santosh and prayer sessions and discussion meetings.

Family members of Maulana Bhasani, district Awami Leagues President and District Council Administrator Fazlur Rahman Khan Faruq, General Secretary Joyaherul Islam Joyaher, Joint Secretary Nahar Ahmed, Shanaz Ansari, Tangail Municipality Mayor Jamilur Rahman placed wreath at Bhasani’s grave, among others.

Besides, Krishak Sramik Janata League President Bangabir Abdul Quader Siddiqi, BNP Vice-Chairmen Abdullah Al Noman and Shamsuzzaman Dudu also placed wreath.

Khoda-e-Khedmatgar and National Awami Party (NAP) organized a discussion meeting at historic Darbar Hall Wednesday night.

Later, a seminar on ‘Maulana Bhasani’s Thoughts on Religion and Present Perspective’ was held at the Mukta Mancha of Bhasani Science and Technology University with Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Alauddin as the chief guest.

Bhasani was a popular leader in his fight against imperialism and oppression of Pakistani rulers. Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, born in 1880 in Dhangara in Sirajganj, was the son of Haji Sharafat Ali Khan. He gained immense popularity among peasants. He is regarded as the proponent of secular and left-leaning politics in current days 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 organization called National Awami Party (NAP).

After Pakistan’s 1965 war with India, Bhasani extended his support to Field Marshal Ayub Khan’s regime for its China-leaning foreign policy; but later he gave the leadership to mass uprising against the regime in 1968-69.

Bhasani played a very significant role in the 1969 movement which eventually led to the collapse of the Ayub regime and the release of Bangabandhu and other co-accused in the so-called Agartala conspiracy case against Pakistan.