Former Members of Parliament Mahbubul Haque and Mahbubul Alam Tara were remembered as visionary leaders whose contributions to the nation continue to inspire future generations at a discussion meeting held at the National Press Club on Thursday marking their death anniversaries.
Speaking as the chief guest, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir paid rich tribute to the two brothers, saying their dedication, sacrifices and service to the country had left a lasting legacy.
“Many people enter politics, but only a few are able to leave a lasting impact on society. Mahbubul Haque and Mahbubul Alam Tara were among those rare leaders who succeeded in doing so through their commitment to public welfare,” he said.
He described them as far-sighted leaders who always worked for the wellbeing of the people and urged Bangla Academy to document and publish their biographies for future generations.
The discussion meeting was presided over by BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu.
Among the special guests were economist Dr Mahbub Ullah, Chairman of ICB; Professor Dr Abu Ahmed; Mohammad Nurul Amin, Chairman of Bangladesh Krishi Bank; S K Sadi, former central committee member and convener of the Nationalist Farmers’ Party; and Dr M Mashrur Riaz, Founder and Chairman of Policy Exchange Bangladesh.
Dr Mahbub Ullah recalled Mahbubul Haque’s role in advocating autonomy and equal rights for the then East Pakistan, saying he strongly protested discrimination against East Pakistan in parliament and often delivered lengthy speeches in support of the people's rights. He also highlighted the development initiatives undertaken by Mahbubul Alam Tara.
S K Sadi remembered the achievements of both leaders with deep respect and noted that Mahbubul Alam Tara had implemented numerous development projects in Feni.
Dr M Mashrur Riaz said Mahbubul Haque was the first person to publicly advocate naming East Pakistan as “Bangladesh” through his newspaper Purbodesh. He also highlighted Mahbubul Alam Tara’s contribution to transforming NCC Bank into a commercial bank.
Mohammad Nurul Amin praised Mahbubul Alam Tara’s successful business career and his remarkable ability to maintain close ties with people.
Professor Dr Abu Ahmed proposed naming a road in Feni after the two brothers, describing them as leaders who remained connected to ordinary people throughout their lives.
The programme began with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Professor Jafrun Nahar, daughter of Mahbubul Haque, welcomed the guests and inaugurated the event, while Syed Md Andaleeb Mahbubul Haque presented brief biographies of the two late leaders.
In his concluding remarks, Shamsuzzaman Dudu expressed profound respect and gratitude for the contributions of Mahbubul Haque and Mahbubul Alam Tara to the nation.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks to the guests and participants.
