The 64th anniversary of death of Sher-e-Bangla Abul Kashem Fazlul Huq will be observed in the country today.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and prime minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday paid rich tributes to AK Fazlul Huq on the occasion of his death anniversary.

In a message, the president expressed deep respect to the memory of the great leader, describing him as an eminent politician of the subcontinent and a rare personality.

He said that Fazlul Huq was an extraordinarily wise, courageous and prudent statesman who held many important positions during his illustrious political career.

In a message, the prime minister paid rich tribute to AK Fazlul Huq recalling his contributions to politics in the Indian subcontinent particularly for the causes of peasants.

He remembered Fazlul Huq as one of the most distinguished leaders in the political history of undivided Bengal.

He expressed deep respect to the leader, acknowledging his lasting contributions to the region’s political development.

Highlighting his historic role, Tarique Rahman noted that Fazlul Huq ushered in a new chapter in the subcontinent’s politics by presenting the Lahore Resolution in 1940.

The resolution remains an important subject of discussion among historians even today and reflects Huq’s visionary leadership, he said.

Tarique Rahman emphasised Fazlul Huq’s commitment to the welfare of the farmers, describing him as a true representative of Bengal’s farmers.

He also said that Fazlul Huq was among the first leaders to recognise the deep connection between politics and the agriculture-based economy of Bengal, and he worked to ensure farmers’ interests and representation in the governance.

He also said that the ideals and political philosophy of Sher-e-Bangla remained relevant today.

AK Fazlul Huq, extensively known as Sher-e-Bangla or Huq Saheb, was born on October 26, 1873 at his maternal uncle’s house at Saturia in Jhalakathi. But his ancestral house was at Chakhar, a village 14 miles away from Barisal town.

Huq was an eminent public leader who had held many high political posts, including the mayor of Calcutta in 1935, prime minister of undivided Bengal from 1937 to 1943, and chief minister of East Bengal in 1954, home minister of Pakistan in 1955 and governor of East Pakistan from 1956 to 58.

To mark the day, different socio-political and cultural organisations have taken elaborate programmes, including placing of wreaths at the grave of the leader and offering special prayers at the mausoleum of three leaders near Doyel Chhatar  in the capital, and discussions.

AK Fazlul Huq passed away on April 27 in 1962 in Dhaka.