Tajuddin favoured separation of state, religion
Tajuddin Ahmad believed that the state and religion should remain completely separate in independent Bangladesh, Dhaka University Emeritus Professor A F Serajul Islam Choudhury said on Thursday.
He made the remarks while delivering the Tajuddin Ahmad Memorial Lecture at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban on the birth anniversary of Bangladesh’s first prime minister.
Prof Serajul said Tajuddin envisioned a secular society where the state maintained no connection with religion.
“To him, secularism did not simply mean equal rights for all religions. He believed the state and religion must remain completely separate,” he said.
He said Tajuddin supported socialism but believed Bangladesh first needed a democratic revolution.
Prof Serajul also highlighted what he described as fundamental differences between Tajuddin and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman over socialism and democracy.
He claimed Sheikh Mujib promoted national socialism and criticised the role of the Mujib Bahini during the Liberation War.
Prof Serajul said Tajuddin strongly opposed the formation of BaKSAL. He recalled that Sheikh Mujib had offered Tajuddin the position of general secretary of the sole legal party through then-law minister Manoranjan Dhar.
“Tajuddin refused and said, ‘I cannot join a party that is on a suicidal path,’” he said.
According to Prof Serajul, Tajuddin also warned Sheikh Mujib that the direction in which the country was moving could endanger both of their lives.
He said Tajuddin felt deeply disappointed when Sheikh Mujib granted a general amnesty to war criminals and also opposed seeking assistance from the United States.
Prof Serajul praised Tajuddin’s judgment, wisdom and presence of mind, describing him as one of the most educated leaders of the post-war Awami League.
DU Pro-Vice Chancellor Mohammed Almujaddade Alfasane chaired the programme, while Tajuddin Ahmad Trust Fund founder Sharmin Ahmad attended as chief guest.
