The 76th death anniversary of Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, was commemorated at the National Press Club in Dhaka on September 11.
Pakistan’s Deputy High Commissioner, Kamran Dhangal, attended the event in place of the High Commissioner, reported Bangladeshi media.
The Nawab Salimullah Academy organised a discussion session at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Miah Hall of the Press Club. Participants unanimously agreed that Pakistan would not have been created without Jinnah’s leadership of the Muslims in the subcontinent, and they noted, “Without Pakistan, Bangladesh too would not exist.”
Various aspects of Jinnah’s life, known in Pakistan as Quaid-e-Azam, were highlighted. Prof. Dr. Mostafizur Rahman delivered the keynote address, while Jafarul Haq Jafar recited an Urdu poem in Jinnah’s honor. Two Pakistani students, Mohammad Tahir and Kamran Abbas, performed Urdu songs dedicated to Jinnah.
The event, chaired by Academy President Muhammad Abdul Jabbar, was attended by several prominent figures, including Nagorik Parishad convener Muhammad Samsuddin and journalist Mostafa Kamal Mojumder.
Samsuddin remarked, “If Bangladesh had not been part of Pakistan in 1947, we would be in the same situation as Kashmir today, with the Indian regime holding weapons to our throats. Bangladesh’s independence is tied to the creation of Pakistan, which Jinnah was instrumental in founding.”
He added, “Why should we change the name of Allama Iqbal Hall or Jinnah Avenue? These changes were made at Delhi’s behest, not ours. Bangladesh must strengthen its relations with China and Pakistan.”
Deputy High Commissioner Dhangal praised Jinnah’s leadership of the Muslim League, noting, “It marked the beginning of a significant movement for the Muslims of India.”
