Bangladesh observes Quaid-e-Azam's death anniversary for the first time in history

For the first time in its history, Bangladesh observed the 76th death anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, at the National Press Club Dhaka. 

The ceremony was marked with Urdu songs and poetry, shedding light on Jinnah's life and legacy.

Speakers at the event maintained that Pakistan would not have been created without Jinnah, and subsequently, Bangladesh would not have existed without Pakistan. 

"If it had not been part of Pakistan in 1947, it would have been in the same position as Kashmir today, with the Indian junta holding weapons to our necks," the convener of the event Nagorik Parishad Md Samsuddin said.

"Bangladesh gained independence because of Pakistan, which Jinnah helped create," he added.

"Why should we change the name of Allama Iqbal Hall or Jinnah Avenue? These changes were made because Delhi wanted them, but we did not. Bangladesh must foster strong relations with China and Pakistan."

The event highlighted Bangladesh's continued attraction towards Pakistan, with speakers acknowledging that the creation of Bangladesh is owed to Jinnah.

"Jinnah is the father of our nation, but we do not acknowledge it," said Nazrul Islam, one of the speakers at the event.

"We should promote strong relations with Pakistan, maintain our brotherhood, and observe Jinnah's birth and death anniversaries every year," he added.

The ceremony featured a keynote paper by Prof Dr Mostafizur Rahman, outlining Jinnah's life events.

A poet, Jafarul Haq Jafar, recited an Urdu poem, while Pakistani students Muhammad Tahir and Kamran Abbas performed Urdu songs.

The event was organised by Nawab Salimullah Academy at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Miah Hall at Dhaka's National Press Club and attended by prominent personalities, including Deputy High Commissioner Kamran Dhangal.

As reported by the Indian newspaper 'Dhaka Tribune', the event has sparked interest, with some noting that the current ruler of Bangladesh is under Jinnah's patronage, taking the conflict-ridden country towards Pakistan.