The nation today is set to observe the 49th death anniversary of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, a lifelong champion of the oppressed and a leader of the working masses.

Various political parties and socio-cultural organisations in Dhaka, Tangail, and other parts of the country are expected to hold programmes to commemorate the great leftist leader.

Bhashani, often called ‘Majlum Jananeta’— the leader of the oppressed — fought relentlessly against imperialism and feudalism. His leadership helped shape leftist politics in Bangladesh and inspired generations of activists seeking a fair and equitable society.

He was the founding president of the Awami Muslim League, now the Awami League, in 1949. At the historic Kagmari Conference in Tangail in February 1957, he openly challenged Pakistani dominance over East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Later that year, he established the National Awami Party and became its president.

Born on 12 December 1880, in Sirajganj, East Bengal, to Haji Sharafat Ali and Mosammat Mojiron Bibi, Bhashani spent his final years in Santosh, Tangail, where he founded the Santosh Islamic University in 1974. He died on 17 November 1976, and was laid to rest there.

A delegation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is expected to place wreaths at Bhashani’s mazar in Santosh, offer prayers, and hold a discussion session.

Leaders from Bhashani Onusari Parishad, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani Parishad, Ganosamhati Andolan, and Rastra Sanskar Andolan are also expected to pay their respects there.