Nahid Islam, the Convenor of the National Citizens' Party (NCP), has expressed regret that Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani's contributions are not properly acknowledged in Bangladesh's history. He asserted that true architects of Bangladesh were leaders like Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Huq and Maulana Bhashani, whose pivotal roles have been overshadowed for the past 54 years by glorifying a single individual, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, as the 'Father of the Nation'.
Speaking as the chief guest at a street rally held on Tuesday (29 July) at Nirala Mor in Tangail city, as part of the nationwide July March program, Nahid Islam emphasized Bhashani's undeniable influence on Mujib’s political rise. "Mujib was indeed a great leader, but without Bhashani’s support and guidance, his emergence would not have been possible. Sadly, history has marginalized Bhashani's role," he remarked.
Highlighting Bhashani’s lifelong political struggle, Nahid Islam said that his activism was not limited to Bangladesh alone. From Assam to various parts of the subcontinent, Bhashani relentlessly fought for the rights of farmers and laborers. "Even today, Bengali Muslims and Hindus in Assam continue their fight for land rights, a movement initiated by Bhashani," he noted.
Recalling the historic Kagmari Conference of 1957 under Bhashani’s leadership, Nahid Islam said, “He was the first politician to bid farewell to Pakistan’s ruling elite. After independence, Bhashani declared, 'We did not break away from Punjab to become slaves of Delhi.' His politics symbolized the struggle against exploitation and deprivation.”
He further stated that Bhashani was a grassroots leader and the true voice of farmers, laborers, and the common people. The National Citizens' Party (NCP) aspires to guide the nation forward by upholding Bhashani’s ideals.
The event was also attended by NCP Senior Joint Convenor Samanta Sharmin, Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr. Tasnim Jara, Southern Region Chief Organizer Hasnat Abdullah, Northern Region Chief Organizer Sarjis Alam, and Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patowary.
