In Remembrance Revolutionary Anil Mukherjee

Anil Mukherjee was a fearless soldier of the revolutionary movement, labour politics, and communist ideology in the Indian subcontinent. He was simultaneously a renowned revolutionary, organiser, political theorist, and writer—whose life was devoted to the relentless struggle for a society free from exploitation.

Born on 10 October 1912 in Munsiganj, Anil Mukherjee’s political consciousness emerged during the turbulent era of anti-British movements. As a student, he became actively involved in revolutionary politics, eventually establishing himself as one of the foremost leaders of the communist movement in India and, later, Bangladesh.

In 1930, while still in college, he was arrested for active participation in a civil disobedience movement. During his incarceration in Medinipur Jail, he was accused of involvement in armed revolution and subsequently exiled by the British authorities to the infamous Cellular Jail in the Andamans. This imprisonment, however, did not suppress his ideals; on the contrary, it strengthened his revolutionary resolve.

Following his release in 1938, he formally joined the Communist Party. He emerged as a leading organiser in the struggle for workers’ rights. His role in the historic Sutarkhali workers’ strike in Narayanganj in 1946 was both pivotal and influential.

After the Partition of India in 1947, Mukherjee endured eight consecutive years of imprisonment in East Pakistan due to his continued involvement in communist politics. Even after his release, he was forced to live in hiding owing to political persecution—a period that lasted until the Liberation War of 1971.

During the great Liberation War of 1971, Anil Mukherjee actively participated, serving as an organiser and motivator in support of an independent Bangladesh. Earlier, he had secretly visited Moscow and represented the Communist Party of East Pakistan at an international congress attended by seventy-five communist parties—a testament to his international revolutionary connections and recognition.

In post-independence Bangladesh, he was elected General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Bangladesh Communist Party in 1973 and again in 1980. Alongside party politics, he disseminated revolutionary thought through his writings.

Among his notable works, either authored or edited by him, are:

The Role of Socialism

A Primer on the Labour Movement

The Struggle for an Independent Bangladesh

Lost Khoka

These works continue to be valuable references in progressive political discourse and historical study.

On 7 February 1982, this uncompromising patriot and revolutionary passed away. Yet, his ideals, struggles, and writings continue to inspire all those who believe in the dream of an exploitation-free society.

A profound tribute to Revolutionary Anil Mukherjee.