Sher-e-Bangla championed rights, education

Zahir Uddin Swapon on Saturday described AK Fazlul Huq as a pioneering leader who worked for the education, rights and social emancipation of Bengali Muslims.

Speaking at a programme organised by the Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq Foundation at the International Mother Language Institute in Segunbagicha, Swapon said Sher-e-Bangla played a historic role in freeing farmers from exploitation and debt traps created under the zamindari system.

The event was arranged to distribute Eid financial assistance among underprivileged children from 20 orphanages and madrasas in Dhaka and other districts ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

Recalling family memories linked to Sher-e-Bangla, the minister said his grandfather had served as general secretary of the North Barishal Krishak Praja Party and was a close follower of Fazlul Huq.
Swapon said stories of Sher-e-Bangla’s social reforms and political struggle inspired him from childhood to become involved in politics.

Highlighting Fazlul Huq’s achievements, he said the former leader, after becoming the first elected Prime Minister of United Bengal in 1937, worked extensively to expand education among Bengali Muslims.

He also noted that the establishment of the historic Debt Arbitration Board helped farmers escape long-standing debt burdens and paved the way for abolishing the zamindari system.

The minister urged the foundation to undertake research and long-term initiatives to introduce Sher-e-Bangla’s contributions to younger generations.

Foundation President Engineer Md Abu Hanif chaired the event, while former Information Secretary and former BTRC Chairman Syed Margub Morshed attended as special guest.