The sixth death anniversary of Shajahan Siraj, a distinguished freedom fighter, one of the key organisers of Liberation War, and a former minister, will be observed on Tuesday, July 14.
A prominent figure in Bangladesh’s struggle for independence, Shajahan Siraj famously read the Manifesto of Independence on March 3, 1971, during a massive rally at Paltan Maidan. He passed away in Dhaka on this day in 2020 at the age of 77.
To commemorate the occasion, Shajahan Siraj Foundation, Kalihati Shajahan Siraj College, and the Shajahan Siraj Welfare Trust have organised various programmes. The day’s events will commence with a visit to his grave at the Banani Cemetery in Dhaka, where wreaths will be laid in his honour. Concurrently, Shajahan Siraj Welfare Trust will place a wreath at his portrait in Kalihati.
Religious observances, including Quran recitation, special prayers, and Milad Mahfils, have been arranged across mosques and temples in various unions of Kalihati, as well as in Dhaka and Tangail. Additionally, food will be distributed among underprivileged children and the needy.
Commemorative Meeting at Kalihati A special memorial meeting and prayer session will be held at 10am on the campus of Shajahan Siraj College in Kalihati, Tangail. The event will be presided over by the daughter of the deceased, Barrister Sarwat Siraj Shukla, a senior lawyer of the Supreme Court and President of the Shajahan Siraj College Governing Council.
Md Lutfar Rahman Matin, Member of Parliament for Tangail-4, will attend as the chief guest. Rabeya Siraj, a donor member and representative of the college’s Governing Council, will serve as the keynote speaker. The discussion is expected to draw participation from various national and local dignitaries.
Shajahan Siraj was a vital student leader who played a significant role in the Six-Point Movement of 1966 and the Mass Uprising of 1969. Following independence, he was one of the initiators of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) before transitioning to the national politics of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Throughout his political career, he was elected to the National Parliament five times representing the Tangail-4 (Kalihati) constituency. He served the nation with distinction as the State Minister for Shipping and later as the Minister for Forests and Environment.
On this solemn occasion, the family of Shajahan Siraj has requested the people of the country to keep the departed soul in their prayers.
