Today marks the 60th death anniversary of the valiant son of democracy, Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy. On this day in 1963, he passed away in the capital city of Lebanon, Beirut. He was laid to rest beside the mausoleum of three leaders near the High Court. On the occasion of his death anniversary, various political, social, and cultural organizations have undertaken elaborate programs.
President M. Sahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have expressed deep respect in separate statements. Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, also the General Secretary of the Awami League, conveyed homage through a statement. The Chairman of the National Party (Jatiya Party), Anwar Hossain Manju, MP, and the Secretary-General of the party, Sheikh Shahidul Islam, also issued statements.
From the Awami League, floral tributes, recitations from the holy Quran, and prayers were offered at the mausoleum of the late leader at the Supreme Court premises at 9 am today. On the other hand, the Jatiya Party organized a program at 8 am at the late leader’s mausoleum, offering floral tributes, prayers, and seeking forgiveness for his departed soul.
In the subcontinent’s political and democratic history, he remains a bright star. Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy was a skilled politician, a jurist, and a member of the Bengal Legislative Council and the Central Legislative Assembly of British India. He played a crucial role in organizing Muslims in British India, founding the Independent Muslim Party in 1926 and the United Muslim Party in 1937.
On June 23, 1949, after the creation of Pakistan, he played a significant role in organizing the then Awami Muslim League (later Awami League). Despite the victory of the United Front in the 1954 elections, his pivotal role continued. Engaged in various professions such as sailor, railway worker, jute and cotton mill worker, rickshaw puller, and car driver, he formed and led various trade unions to protect the interests of neglected Muslim communities in East Bengal.
Within a short period, he became a prominent political organizer, advocating for socio-economic development and political rights for the marginalized Muslim community in this region. His active leadership played a crucial role in uniting the Bengali nation against the suppressive policies of the then Pakistani government, ultimately leading to the glorious victory in the Liberation War of 1971, following the prolonged political struggle and the nine-month bloody war.
In his short but eventful political life, Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy dedicatedly struggled for the socio-economic development and political rights of the neglected Muslim community and played a significant role in the democratic and independent journey of Bangladesh.
