The University of Barishal (BU) observed the 153rd birth anniversary of Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq on Monday (26 October) with a discussion programme and special prayers organised by Shere Bangla Hall.

The programme began at 4:30pm.

BU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Mamun Or Rashid attended the programme as the chief guest.

Addressing the audience, the vice-chancellor highlighted Sher-e-Bangla’s honesty, selflessness and dedication to public welfare, urging students to follow his ideals.

He said Sher-e-Bangla overcame numerous challenges to become a prominent political leader, consistently placing the interests of ordinary people above personal gain.

Dr Abdul Alim Baser, Registrar (In-Charge) of BU and Provost (In-Charge) of Shere Bangla Hall, chaired the programme, while Kazi Shoyebur Rahman, chairman of the Department of Philosophy, delivered the keynote address.

Professor Dr Md Alamgir Mollah of the Department of Management Studies and student representative Sohanur Rahman Sifat also spoke at the event, which was moderated by Assistant Registrar Habibur Rahman.

Abul Kashem Fazlul Huq was born on 26 October 1873 in Saturia, in the then Bakerganj district. He emerged as one of Bengal’s most prominent political figures.

Popularly known as Sher-e-Bangla, or the Tiger of Bengal, he served as premier of undivided Bengal from 1937 to 1943 and later as chief minister of East Bengal in 1954.

A strong advocate for farmers and disadvantaged communities, he played a significant role in advancing agricultural rights and educational opportunities. He also moved the historic Lahore Resolution in 1940, a watershed moment in the subcontinent’s political history.

His contributions to social justice, political leadership and public welfare remain an important part of Bengal’s history.

The programme concluded with special prayers for the late leader, attended by teachers, students and university officials.