Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today emphasized the pivotal contributions of Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq to education, rights, and social emancipation of Bengali Muslims. Swapon highlighted Sher-e-Bangla’s role in liberating the region’s farmers from exploitation and debt imposed by landlords.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister’s remarks were made during an event organized by the ‘Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq Foundation’. The event aimed at providing financial assistance to underprivileged children as Eid gifts, held at the International Mother Language Institute’s conference room in Segunbagicha, Dhaka.
Swapon shared personal anecdotes, recalling his grandfather’s connection with Sher-e-Bangla as the general secretary of the North Barishal Krishak Praja Party. He recounted how stories of Sher-e-Bangla’s heroism and social reforms inspired him from a young age to pursue political activism.
The minister noted Sher-e-Bangla’s significant impact after becoming the first elected Prime Minister of United Bengal in 1937. He played a crucial role in promoting education among Bengali Muslims and established the Debt Arbitration Board, which alleviated farmers from debt and facilitated the abolition of the zamindari system.
Swapon acknowledged that even though Sher-e-Bangla’s primary political goals were achieved, his legacy as a social reformer continues to be relevant. He urged the Sher-e-Bangla Foundation to engage in research and planning to educate future generations about the leader’s contributions.
The meeting was presided over by Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq Foundation President Engineer Md Abu Hanif, with Syed Margub Morshed, the Foundation’s chief adviser and former Information Secretary, attending as a special guest. Foundation General Secretary Md Ziaur Rahman moderated the program.
Financial assistance was distributed to underprivileged children from 20 orphanages and madrasas across Dhaka and other districts as part of the Eid-ul-Azha celebrations.