In a historic first, Bangladesh commemorated the death anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Dhaka.
The event, held on Wednesday, marked the 76th anniversary of Jinnah’s passing with Urdu songs and poetry, organized by the Nawab Salimullah Academy at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Miah Hall, National Press Club.
Despite the absence of the Pakistani high commissioner, Deputy High Commissioner Kamran Dhangal attended the event. Prof. Dr. Mostafizur Rahman presented a keynote paper on Jinnah’s life, while poet Jafarul Haq Jafar and Pakistani students studying in Bangladesh performed Urdu poems and songs.
Speakers emphasized Jinnah’s role in shaping the region, noting that Bangladesh’s independence was closely tied to the creation of Pakistan. They argued that had Bangladesh not been part of Pakistan in 1947, it might have faced a situation similar to Kashmir’s. They also stressed the importance of maintaining strong relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Nazrul Islam, one of the speakers, called for continued acknowledgment of Jinnah’s contributions and urged for the preservation of the historical relationship between the two nations. He highlighted that Jinnah’s leadership played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the Indian subcontinent and was instrumental in maintaining the unity of Pakistan.
Kamran Dhangal praised Jinnah’s vision for a progressive and inclusive state, noting that his legacy is honored not only in Pakistan but globally.