DHAKA, Dec 4, 2023 (BSS) - The 60th death anniversary of the champion of democracy and one of the greatest leaders of undivided India Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy will be observed in the country tomorrow in a befitting manner.

The unparalleled leader of all Indian politics, who had dedicated his entire life to ensure the welfare of the people by upholding democracy, died at a Beirut hotel in Lebanon on December 5 in 1963. He was alone in the hotel suite at the time of his death.

He was born in a respected Muslim family at Medinipur in West Bengal, India on September 8 in 1892.

Suhrawardy was a Bengali politician and statesman in the first half of the 20th century. He served as the premier of Bengal in British India and was the fifth Prime Minister of Pakistan.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in separate messages today paid rich tributes to the memory of Suhrawardy marking his death anniversary.

The President and the Prime Minister prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul of Suhrawardy, terming him 'the champion of democracy'.

In his message, President Mohammed Shahabuddin said Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardi is a bright star in the history of politics and democracy of the subcontinent.

He played a vital role in protecting the interest of the neglected Muslim community, including the working people, of this region when he served in different capacities, the President added.

The President said Suhrawardi struggled throughout his life for establishing rule of law and democracy said believed that Suhrawardy's life and works will inspire the future generations in democratic thinking and welfare of the people.

In a message, the Prime Minister said Suhrawardy was 'the champion of democracy' as he struggled throughout his life for establishing the political and socio-economic rights of working-class people of this subcontinent.

After establishment of Pakistan in 1947, Suhrawardy organized people of this part of the world against the anti-people activities of then Pakistani government, she said, adding that as a pro-people organization Awami League flourished under his prudent leadership.

The Prime Minister said Suhrawardy's capable heir the greatest Bengali of all time, father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's farsighted leadership helped unite the Bengali nation against the oppression-repression of the then Pakistani government. Independent Bangladesh was achieved on December 16, 1971 through a nine-month Liberation War, she added.

The premier said the life and ideals of Suhrawardy will continue to inspire the people in the forward-march of democracy welfare of the humanity.

To mark the day, different political and socio-cultural organisations, including ruling Awami League, have chalked out various programmes including placing wreaths at the grave of the great leader in the morning, holding discussions, offering Qurankhwani and arranging milad and doa-mahfil in the capital and elsewhere in the country.

Awami League (AL) will pay tributes to the late leader by placing wreaths on his grave adjacent to the High Court at 9am tomorrow. Fateha and doa will also be offered there.

Bangladesh Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, in a statement, today paid deep homage to the memory of late Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy saying that he had fought for democracy throughout his life.

The extraordinary strength, perseverance and qualities of his leadership guided the nation on the right path, he added.

Suhrawardy had made outstanding contributions to the struggle for democracy, justice and the rule of law, Quader added.

In the statement, Quader called upon the leaders and workers of all levels of Awami League and its affiliated organizations to observe the death anniversary of Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy with due dignity and respect.