The 76th death anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan, was commemorated in Dhaka for the first time in Bangladesh’s history. The event, held at the National Press Club, was marked by Urdu songs and poetry celebrating Jinnah’s contributions to the subcontinent. Organized by the Nawab Salimullah Academy, the ceremony brought together scholars, journalists, and Pakistani diplomats to honor Jinnah’s legacy.
Speakers emphasized that Jinnah’s role in the creation of Pakistan was crucial to the eventual independence of Bangladesh. “Without Jinnah, Pakistan would not exist, and without Pakistan, Bangladesh too would not have come into being,” said Md Samsuddin, convener of Nagorik Parishad. He added that Bangladesh must maintain its historical ties with Pakistan, highlighting the significance of Jinnah’s leadership in shaping South Asian geopolitics.
Acknowledging Jinnah’s Impact on Bangladesh
Professor Dr. Mostafizur Rahman presented a keynote paper detailing Jinnah’s life, from his birth to his role as Pakistan’s first Governor-General. The event also featured artistic tributes, including an Urdu poem by Jafarul Haq Jafar and songs performed by two Pakistani students, reinforcing the cultural connections between the two nations.
Reflecting on Jinnah’s impact, Nazrul Islam, another speaker, remarked, “Jinnah is the father of our nation, but we do not acknowledge it. We must preserve our brotherhood, and I hope that both Jinnah’s birth and death anniversaries will continue to be observed here every year.” He underscored the importance of maintaining diplomatic ties with Pakistan, suggesting that Jinnah’s vision could still guide bilateral relations.
The Need for Renewed Relations
The absence of the Pakistani High Commissioner, initially scheduled as the chief guest, did not deter the spirit of the event. Deputy High Commissioner Kamran Dhangal praised Jinnah’s leadership, describing it as the foundation of a mass movement for Muslims in India. “His vision for a progressive and inclusive state, committed to freedom and tolerance, was not only revered in Pakistan but across the world,” Dhangal stated.
Shakhawat, another attendee, pointed out the political instability in the subcontinent before Jinnah’s intervention. “After 1757, it was Jinnah who ended the political incompetence and strife in the Indian subcontinent. If he had not taken responsibility for Bangladesh in 1947, we would have remained a part of India like West Bengal,” he said, advocating for reassessing Bangladesh’s relations with Pakistan.
Strengthening Historical Bonds
The event was an important moment for reflection in Bangladesh’s history, highlighting a shared past that extends beyond independence. Many attendees called for renewed cooperation and closer ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan. “Why should we change the name of Allama Iqbal Hall or Jinnah Avenue? These changes were made under external influence, but we did not want them,” Samsuddin argued, urging Bangladesh to foster strong relations with both China and Pakistan.
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In a rare gesture of acknowledgment, the gathering in Dhaka paid tribute to Jinnah, presenting a nuanced perspective on his contributions to both Pakistan and Bangladesh’s independence. As the speakers expressed their views, a sense of shared history and future possibilities was clearly felt, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and understanding between the two countries.