In a landmark event, Bangladesh commemorated the death anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Dhaka for the first time.
The 76th anniversary of Jinnah's passing, the founder of Pakistan, was observed at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Wednesday, featuring Urdu songs and poetry.
Speakers reflected on Jinnah’s life, emphasizing his pivotal role in the creation of Pakistan, stating that without him, Pakistan would not have existed, and consequently, neither would Bangladesh.
Although the Pakistani High Commissioner to Bangladesh could not attend as the chief guest, Deputy High Commissioner Kamran Dhangal was present.
Prof. Dr. Mostafizur Rahman delivered the keynote address, highlighting key events in Jinnah's life from his birth to his death.
Urdu poetry dedicated to Jinnah was recited by Jafarul Haq Jafar, while Pakistani students Mohammad Tahir and Kamran Abbas performed songs in Urdu to honor him.
Samsuddin, one of the speakers, remarked, "Had Bangladesh not been part of Pakistan in 1947, we might be facing a situation similar to Kashmir, with Indian forces threatening us. Bangladesh achieved independence due to Pakistan, which Jinnah played a vital role in creating."
He further questioned the renaming of landmarks such as Allama Iqbal Hall and Jinnah Avenue, attributing the changes to pressure from Delhi, while stressing the importance of maintaining strong relations with China and Pakistan.
Another speaker, Nazrul Islam, pointed out, "Regardless of the circumstances, we have gained independence, but we must retain our ties with Pakistan. Without Jinnah, neither Pakistan nor Bangladesh would have existed. Jinnah is our founding figure, even though we do not openly acknowledge it. We should continue commemorating both his birth and death anniversaries every year."
Md Shakhawat, another participant, noted that Jinnah's leadership ended political disarray in the Indian subcontinent after 1757.
He added, "Had Jinnah not taken responsibility for Bangladesh in 1947, we could have ended up like West Bengal, remaining part of India. His leadership kept East Pakistan united with West Pakistan. Now, we must reevaluate our friendship."
Deputy High Commissioner Kamran Dhangal lauded Jinnah’s leadership within the Muslim League, calling it the catalyst for a significant movement for Indian Muslims.
