In a historic first, the 76th death anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was observed at the National Press Club in Dhaka with a vibrant showcase of Urdu songs and poetry.
The event, hosted by the Nawab Salimullah Academy at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Miah Hall, featured performances celebrating Jinnah’s enduring legacy, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune on Thursday.
The Pakistani high commissioner to Bangladesh was expected to be the chief guest but could not make it. However, Deputy High Commissioner Kamran Dhangal was present. Prof. Dr. Mostafizur Rahman delivered a keynote address highlighting the significant milestones of Jinnah’s life. The event also saw the participation of the academy’s president, Muhammad Abdul Jabbar, and journalist Mostafa Kamal Mojumder.
Poet Jafarul Haq Jafar recited an Urdu poem, while two Pakistani students studying in Bangladesh performed several Urdu songs.
Md Samsuddin, convener of Nagorik Parishad, emphasized the historical context of Bangladesh’s independence, stating, “If Bangladesh had not been part of Pakistan in 1947, we would have found ourselves in a situation similar to Kashmir, facing the threat of the Indian junta. Bangladesh gained its independence thanks to Pakistan, a nation that Jinnah played a crucial role in founding.”
He further questioned the rationale behind renaming Allama Iqbal Hall or Jinnah Avenue, asserting that these changes were influenced by Delhi’s wishes, which he opposed. He concluded by urging Bangladesh to strengthen its relations with China and Pakistan.
