In a first, event held in Dhaka to mark Jinnah’s anniversary

Pakistan’s deputy high commissioner attends function organised at the National Press Club

A picture taken at the ceremony / Photo: Bangla Tribune

IN a kind of event that could not have taken place in Dhaka when Sheikh Hasina Wajed was the prime minister of Bangladesh, a function was held there recently during which rich tribute was paid to M.A. Jinnah for rendering invaluable services to the Muslims of undivided India. To be clear, the event was not held at some nondescript and unimportant place, but at the Bangladeshi capital’s well-known National Press Club.

According to some analysts, it was the first time in Bangladesh’s history that an event marking the death anniversary of Pakistan’s founder was held. The chief guest of the function was Pakistan’s Deputy High Commissioner, Kamran Dhangal. The Nawab Salimullah Academy (NSA) had organised the event, according to ‘Dhaka Tribune’.  

The speakers on the occasion said Pakistan would not have been created without Mr Jinnah, and without Pakistan, Bangladesh too would not exist. The keynote address was delivered by Prof Dr Mostafizur Rahman, who recalled some of the most important events in Mr Jinnah’s life.

The ‘Dhaka Tribune’ reported that an Urdu poem about the founder of Pakistan was presented by Jafarul Haq Jafar. Two Pakistani students studying in Bangladesh — Mohammad Tahir and Kamran Abbas — sang Urdu songs in Mr Jinnah’s honour.

President of NSA Muhammad Abdul Jabbar chaired the ceremony that was also participated in by Muhammad Samsuddin, convener of the Nagorik Parishad, and journalist Mostafa Kamal Mojumdar.

“Were Bangladesh not part of Pakistan in 1947, we would be facing the same predicament as Kashmiris today, with the Indian junta threatening us at gunpoint,” Mr Samsuddin said.

"Why should we rename Allama Iqbal Hall and Jinnah Avenue? Those changes were made upon Delhi’s demands, not because we needed them. Bangladesh needs to work at improving relations with China and Pakistan alike.”

Another speaker, Nazrul Islam, said: “However it may have come about, we got independence. We must retain our ties with Pakistan. Without Jinnah, Pakistan would not have become a state and Bangladesh would not have existed.

“Jinnah is the father of our nation, but we do not accept the fact. We have to save our brotherhood, and I hope that this birth and death anniversary of Jinnah will be celebrated here every year.”

Deputy High Commissioner Kamran Dhangal welcomed the change in people’s attitude towards Mr Jinnah. The diplomat added: “His vision for the new nation was unmistakable. He wished for a progressive and inclusive state that imbibed his commitment to liberty and tolerance. His efforts drew respect not only in Pakistan but also internationally."