Staff Reporter :
A heartfelt remembrance marked the first death anniversary of Barrister Mainul Hosein, a steadfast defender of democracy and a fearless fighter for establishing truth without comprise.
The event titled “Remembering the Indomitable Spirit: Barrister Mainul Hosein (1940-2023)” brought together family members, relatives, friends, colleagues, admires, and prominent politicians who honored his legacy and reflected on his remarkable contributions to the people and the country.
The event was moderated by Barrister Mainul’s granddaughter Nur Aleena Hosein, stating that Mainul’s live was a testament to his courage and principle.
The program began with Doa (prayer), seeking blessings for the departed soul of Mainul Hosein.
Afterwards, a video presentation showcased glimpsed of Barrister Hosein’s extraordinary journey in which prominent persons narrated his fight for justice, his passion for democracy, and his unwavering dedication for establishing truth as a democrat.
In reminiscing Barrister Mainul’s memory and love for classical music, his grandson Gabriel Tofazzal Hosein played piano in honor his grandfather, enthralling the audience in the hall for his brilliant performance.
Reflecting on his father’s legacy, Arshad Hosein, recounted that Barrister was more than a father, a mentor and a guide.
“He fought tirelessly for democracy. He fought for voting rights, raised his voice against extra judicial killings. He was a defender of the freedom of the press.”
Former education minister Osman Faruk recounted that Barrister Mainul left an indelible legacy and ideals for the next generation to follow.
As a friend, former Secretary Khaled Shams stated that Mainul Hosein had profound love and dedication for the country. He used to talk about democracy since Ayub’s era.
“He used to say that without democracy, the oppression would not stop,” he added.
About Mainul’s political views, he said, “He had full concentration about fair politics and democracy all the time. He always reminded us of the degradation of politics and taught us to fight against it through intellectual exercise.”
Though his writings and politics, he tirelessly worked for the rights of the people, he added.
President of Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Mahbub Uddin Khokon fondly remembered Barrister Mainul’s legacy saying that he was “an institution.”
“He was an honest and straightforward person. He used to say politics is only for those who would selflessly work for the people. Politics is not a springboard for making money,” he said.
Prominent Photojournalist Shahidul Alam delineated how Barrister Mainul suffered a few days in the prison before getting division when he was also there with him.
“His division cell soon became the center for all to talk about the current affairs of Bangladesh,” he added.
“Government thinks that repression can suppress all. But it does not work for all. Mainul did not compromise with the government’s bait to stay silent. He was vocal against the tyranny of the government,” he said.
Remembering her grandfather, Nur Arysha Hosein recited a brief write-up remembering Barrister Mainul, stating that he was her hero.
BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said Mainul Hosein was a man of “free spirit.”
“Barrister Mainul did what he believed without any hesitation. He had no reservation. He was outspoken in terms of truth,” he added. Describing the current politics, he said, “He was not a beneficiary. He suffered, but never compromised with unjust.”
Mainul Hosein had a profound contribution to the toppling of the fascist government. “He consistently fought against it. He did it with risk of his life.”
His absence in the field of politics and legal arenas would always be felt.
BNP Standing Committee Member Abdul Moyeen Khan said Barrister Mainul would never be lost from our life.
“People would remember him for his contribution to the people and the country. He would highly be applauded for his fight against unjust,” he said.
President of Nagorik Oikya Mahmudur Rahman Manna said, “We are passing the period of intellectual exercise. Barrister Mainul practiced it throughout his life.”
“He resigned from BAKSAL but he did not disrespect Sheikh Mujib. His dedicated his life in search of truth and it has been reflected throughout his life,” he said.
Former minister Anisul Islam Mahmud said, “We can never think of that Barrister Mainul would say wrong. “He had indomitable spirit. He had matchless courage. We can never think of he would say wrong. He never deviated from truth and justice.”
Citing a precedent, he said, “His resignation from BAKSAL is a testament to his indomitable courage. It was not that easy to oppose BAKSAL in the face of Mujib. He did what he believed. We need such an individual for the current politics.”
“In personal life, he was so humble as he never uttered anybody’s name rather call the individual with an appellation like ‘Lakkhiti’,” he said.
“He had profound love for ordinary people. I feel his absence. The new generation would walk on the path of Mainul Hosein,” he said.
Barrister Farhad Hosein recounted that sweet memories with her Hiru (Mainul) Mama, how they were interconnected in the field of writings and other affairs.
Adviser to the Interim Government Sharmeen Murshid strongly condemned the repression on Mainul Hosein for unjustly sending him jail without any wrong.
A key moment of the event was the unveiling of Mainul’s last book ‘Shesh Lekha’ (Last Writing), a collection of his insightful writes-up on the unity for achieving the independence of the people.
Saju Hosein, wife of Barrister Mainul Hosein, along with prominent persons, unveiled the book on the stage with huge applause. The entire hall room housed in Gulshan Club on Friday was decorated with his portraits, bearing the significant events of his life and works.
Participants shared stories of his courage, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to speaking the truth without fear and compromise, even in the face of adversity.
Family members spoke fondly of their cherished memories, recounting his kindness, intellect, and the principles he lived by.
The event concluded with his daughter-in-law Zereen Mahmud Hosein giving the vote of thank for the participation in the event.
Among others, former minister Anwar Hossain Manju, Barrister Muhammad Jamiruddin Sircar, Barrister Raghib Rauf Chowdhury, ex-treasurer Supreme Court Bar Association, former IGP Ashraful Huda, New Nation Editor Md Mokarram Hossain, BNP leader Moazzam Hossain Alal, Professor Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, Chairman of Bangladesh National Awami Party Jebel Rahman Ghaani, freedom fighter Iqbal Hossain Forkan, political leader ATM Golam Mawla Chowdhury, were present on the august occasion.
