For the first time in history, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s death anniversary was commemorated in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This event marked the 76th anniversary of Jinnah’s passing and included Urdu songs and poetry performances, as reported by Dhaka Tribune on Thursday.
Organized by the Nawab Salimullah Academy at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Miah Hall in the National Press Club, the ceremony featured a keynote paper by Prof. Dr. Mostafizur Rahman, detailing Jinnah’s life and legacy. Although the Pakistani high commissioner to Bangladesh was expected to attend, Deputy High Commissioner Kamran Dhangal represented Pakistan at the event.
Muhammad Abdul Jabbar, president of the academy, and journalist Mostafa Kamal Mojumder were also present. Poet Jafarul Haq Jafar recited an Urdu poem, and Urdu songs were performed by two Pakistani students studying in Bangladesh.
Nagorik Parishad’s Md Samsuddin, the event’s convener, highlighted the historical significance of Jinnah’s role, stating, “If Bangladesh had not been part of Pakistan in 1947, we might have faced a situation similar to Kashmir today, with Indian forces dominating us. Bangladesh gained its independence because of Pakistan, which Jinnah helped establish.”
Samsuddin also criticized the renaming of landmarks like Allama Iqbal Hall and Jinnah Avenue, attributing these changes to external pressures rather than local desires. He stressed the importance of maintaining strong ties with China and Pakistan.
Speakers at the event praised Jinnah’s pivotal role in the creation of Pakistan and, consequently, in the existence of Bangladesh. Nazrul Islam, one of the speakers, emphasized the need to recognize Jinnah’s contributions and maintain brotherhood with Pakistan.
Another attendee praised Jinnah for ending the political instability and conflict on the Indian subcontinent after 1857, asserting that without his leadership, East Pakistan might have remained part of India.
Deputy High Commissioner Kamran Dhangal described Jinnah’s leadership as “outstanding” and commended his vision for a progressive and inclusive nation. He noted that Jinnah’s contributions are respected not only in Pakistan but globally.
