Tributes paid to Bhasani

They said the country now needs a leader like Bhasani to overcome the present worsening situation caused by unbridled corruption and repeated bomb attacks by the militants.

The discussion was organised by Bhasani National Awami Party (NAP) at the National Press Club to mark his 125th birth anniversary.

The speakers said Bhasani spent his glorious political life to protect the people's interest but the present politics, mostly controlled by black money holders, is aimed to protect the individual interests.

Former chief advisor to the caretaker government Justice Habibur Rahman attended the discussion as chief guest while Executive Chairman of Bhasani NAP Barrister Rafiqul Islam Miah presided over the meeting.

Justice Rahman said the country is now passing a time when there is no such a great and elderly leader who enjoyed the respect of people from all walks of life.

Although Bhasani received Islamic education, he could welcome new doctrine like communism, and it was his unique characteristics, said Justice Rahman.

He said if Bhasani were alive today nobody could dare to avoid his direction in overcoming the present crisis.

Speaking as special guest Major General (Retd) Syed Muhammad Ibrahim said the glorious career of Bhasani should be extensively discussed to make people patriotic and dedicated to the cause of the poor.

Comrade Nurul Haq Mehedi, advisor of Bhasani NAP, said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman became a great leader following the ideals of Bhasani.

But the Awami League has forgotten the contribution of Bhasani to the independence of Bangladesh, he added.

Bhasani NAP Secretary General Abul Kalam Azad and Vice-chairman Siddiqul Islam also took part in the discussion.