In a landmark event, Bangladesh recently commemorated the death anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Dhaka, marking the first time in the nation’s history.
The ceremony, hosted by the Nawab Salimullah Academy at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Miah Hall at Dhaka’s National Press Club, included Urdu poetry and songs to pay tribute to Jinnah’s legacy, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune on Thursday.
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Though the Pakistani High Commissioner to Bangladesh could not attend as the chief guest, Deputy High Commissioner Kamran Dhangal represented him at the event.
Prof Dr Mostafizur Rahman delivered a keynote speech highlighting the major milestones of Jinnah’s life. The academy’s president, Muhammad Abdul Jabbar, along with journalist Mostafa Kamal Mojumder, were also present.
Poet Jafarul Haq Jafar recited an Urdu poem, while two Pakistani students studying in Bangladesh performed Urdu songs.
Nagorik Parishad convener Md Samsuddin, speaking at the event, remarked that had Bangladesh not been part of Pakistan in 1947, it might have faced a situation similar to Kashmir, with Indian forces exerting control. He emphasized that Bangladesh gained its independence thanks to Pakistan, which was created through Jinnah’s efforts.
He questioned the need to rename landmarks like Allama Iqbal Hall or Jinnah Avenue, suggesting these changes were influenced by Delhi and not by the people of Bangladesh. He called for stronger ties between Bangladesh, China, and Pakistan.
Other speakers at the event praised Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, asserting that without his leadership, Pakistan—and subsequently Bangladesh—would not have existed. One speaker, Nazrul Islam, referred to Jinnah as the “father of our nation” and urged for continued observance of Jinnah’s birth and death anniversaries in Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of preserving brotherhood and maintaining ties with Pakistan.
Another attendee praised Jinnah for resolving the political chaos in the Indian subcontinent following 1857 and credited his leadership for keeping East and West Pakistan united after 1947. The speaker encouraged the current leadership in Bangladesh to reassess the country’s alliances.
Deputy High Commissioner Kamran Dhangal, who was present at the ceremony, praised Jinnah’s leadership of the Muslim League, highlighting his vision for a progressive and inclusive nation that valued freedom and tolerance. He added that Jinnah’s contributions were recognized not just in Pakistan but globally.
