In the capital of Bangladesh, a ceremony was held to pay tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on his death anniversary. Banners featured Jinnah’s famous motto, “Unity, Faith, Discipline.”
According to international news agencies, the anniversary of Pakistan’s founder was commemorated with dignity at the Toffazal Hussain Manik Mia Hall of the National Press Club, organized by the Nawab Saleemullah Academy.
The chief guest of the event was Pakistani Deputy High Commissioner Kamran Dhingra.
The ceremony was attended by a large number of scholars, journalists, writers, historians, and citizens.
Speakers at the event highlighted the Pakistan Movement, the creation of Pakistan, and Jinnah’s inspiring leadership.
They emphasized that without Quaid-e-Azam, Pakistan would not have existed, and the situation in Kashmir might have been dire with Indian forces in control.
They also noted that Bangladesh itself might not have been formed without Pakistan.
Nazar Islam remarked that while Muhammad Ali Jinnah is the father of the nation, this reality is often not acknowledged.
He stressed the importance of maintaining good relations with Pakistan, despite how independence was achieved, and hoped that Jinnah’s birth and death anniversaries would continue to be celebrated every year.
Another speaker, Mohammad Sakhawat, praised Jinnah for ending political inefficacy and conflict in the Indian subcontinent with his wise leadership.
Shamsul Ain questioned why names like Iqbal Hall or Jinnah Avenue should be changed, arguing that such changes were desired by India but not implemented.
He advocated for strengthening relations between Bangladesh, China, and Pakistan.
He added that if Jinnah had not made the present Bangladesh part of Western Pakistan in 1947, it would be in a similar situation to the Indian state of West Bengal today.
Deputy High Commissioner Kamran Dhingra praised Jinnah’s leadership in the Muslim League as a significant public movement for Muslims in India.
He highlighted that after the creation of Pakistan, Jinnah became its first Governor-General and had a clear vision for the new nation, advocating for a progressive and inclusive state. His contributions were recognized globally.
Meanwhile, Professor Dr. Mustafa Rehman presented a keynote address outlining Jinnah’s life from birth to death.
Jaffar-ul-Haq Jaffar recited a poem in Urdu about Jinnah, while two Pakistani students in Bangladesh, Mohammad Tahir and Kamran Abbas, performed Urdu songs.
The event, presided over by President Mohammad Abdul Jabbar of the Nawab Saleemullah Academy, was also attended by Nagarik Parishad Convenor Mohammad Shamsuddin and journalist Mustafa Kamal.