Today is the Birthday of Sher-e-Bangla

A. K. Fazlul Huq, the first Prime Minister of undivided Bengal, was a leader of the common people and farmers. He was known as Sher-e-Bangla (Tiger of Bengal). Among great politicians like Bangabandhu, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, and Maulana Bhashani, he was known simply as ‘Huq Shaheb’.

This great leader was born in Barisal on October 26, 1873. He was extremely talented from his childhood.

He obtained education in various subjects, including English, Mathematics, and Law. In his career, he performed administrative duties and earned a good reputation there too.

Abul Kashem Fazlul Huq, or A. K. Fazlul Huq, was the leader of the common people of undivided Bengal. However, he became popular by the name Sher-e-Bangla. At one time, he was at the center of politics in British India.

When Motilal Nehru, the father of Jawaharlal Nehru, was the President of the Congress, Sher-e-Bangla A. K. Fazlul Huq was the General Secretary of the party; and the newly returned Jawaharlal Nehru, who had just come back from Britain, was his personal assistant.

As a leader of the common people, Sher-e-Bangla devoted himself to mitigating their sorrows and suffering. In the early twentieth century, despite Bengali Muslims lagging behind in education, he was vocal and played a pioneering role.

He also played a unique role in the formation of the Muslim League.

In 1916, he also became the President of the All India Muslim League. His role in the Praja Sammelan (Tenant Conference) was immense.

It was due to his efforts that the farmers of Bengal were liberated from the wrath of the Zamindars (landlords). Not only that, he himself formed a party named ‘Nikhil Banga Krishak Samiti’ (All Bengal Peasants’ Association).

While serving as the Prime Minister of undivided Bengal, he passed several laws, including the Debt Settlement Act, to alleviate the suffering of the farmers.

Sher-e-Bangla’s heart was broken by the partition of the two Bengals according to the formula of the British Raj. He did not want the division of Bengal.

After the partition of the country, he stepped away from politics for a while and engaged in the legal profession.

However, his mind did not settle there. He became active in the political arena again after the Language Movement. In 1954, he became the Chief Minister of Bengal by winning the Jukta Front (United Front) election.

On April 27, 1962, the Tiger of Bengal, the leader of the distressed people, the leader of the farmers, A. K. Fazlul Huq, passed away.

Tributes.

Khaborwala