For the first time in Bangladesh’s history, the death anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was commemorated in Dhaka.
The event marked the 76th anniversary of Jinnah’s passing, and featured Urdu songs and poetry performed and recited in the capital city, Dhaka Tribune reported on Thursday. Organised by the Nawab Salimullah Academy, the commemoration took place at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Miah Hall at the National Press Club in Dhaka.
Although the Pakistani High Commissioner to Bangladesh was expected to attend as the chief guest, he was unable to be present. However, Deputy High Commissioner Kamran Dhangal was in attendance.
Professor Dr Mostafizur Rahman delivered a keynote paper detailing Jinnah’s life journey. The academy’s president Muhammad Abdul Jabbar and journalist Mostafa Kamal Mojumder were also in attendance to honour the occasion.
Poet Jafarul Haq Jafar recited an Urdu poem, and two Pakistani students studying in Bangladesh performed Urdu songs at the event.
Nagorik Parishad’s Md Samsuddin, the convener of the event, remarked, “If Bangladesh had not been part of Pakistan in 1947, we might have found ourselves in a situation similar to Kashmir today, with Indian forces exerting control over us. Bangladesh achieved its independence thanks to Pakistan, which was shaped by Jinnah.”
He further questioned the rationale behind renaming Allama Iqbal Hall or Jinnah Avenue, asserting that such changes were driven by external pressures from Delhi, not local desires. “Bangladesh should nurture strong relations with China and Pakistan,” he added.
The speakers praised Jinnah’s role in the creation of Pakistan, noting that Bangladesh’s own existence was intertwined with Jinnah’s legacy. “Jinnah is the father of our nation, though we seldom acknowledge this. We must preserve our shared heritage and I hope that both Jinnah’s birth and death anniversaries will be commemorated here annually,” said Nazrul Islam, one of the speakers.
He emphasised that, despite the challenges, Bangladesh secured its independence, and stressed the importance of maintaining ties with Pakistan.
Another attendee lauded Jinnah’s leadership, stating that his efforts ended the “political incompetence and strife” that plagued the Indian subcontinent after 1857. “Had Jinnah not played a pivotal role in 1947, Bangladesh might have remained part of India, akin to West Bengal. His leadership ensured that East Pakistan remained united with West Pakistan,” he observed, suggesting that Bangladesh should reflect on its relationships carefully.
Deputy High Commissioner Kamran Dhangal described Jinnah’s leadership of the Muslim League as “outstanding.” He added, “Jinnah’s vision for the new nation was clear, advocating for a progressive and inclusive state, committed to freedom and tolerance. His contributions are revered not only in Pakistan but across the world.”
