On 17 November 2025, Free Voice in collaboration with Vinnokatha commemorated the death anniversary of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani (1880–1976). He was a prominent political leader, religious scholar, and one of the most influential figures in the history of South Asia. Known as the “Red Maulana”, “Mozlum Jananeta” for his staunch advocacy of socialist and anti-imperialist ideologies, Bhashani was a key leader in both the political and religious spheres of South Asia.
Born in a small village in present-day Bangladesh, Bhashani began his career as a religious leader but soon became involved in the nationalist movement against British colonial rule.
Bhashani was a strong advocate for the rights of the rural poor and marginalized communities, and he campaigned against the exploitation of peasants, feudal landlords, and British imperialism. His political philosophy was a mix of religious belief, socialism. He opposed the partition of India in 1947 and was critical of the policies of the Pakistan government. His legacy as a champion of the underprivileged, a fierce opponent of exploitation, and a key figure in the liberation of Banglades beacons the oppressed across the world.
Abu Siddik, editor of the Free Voice, spoke first on Maulana Bhashani. He stated why he chose to devote an online discussion on Maulana Bhashani. His commitment towards welfare of the masses, his honesty, sacrifice, courage and his cause for the exploited of the world, earned him the recognition of a matchless leader of the masses.
He rued why such progressive Muslims are not highlighted by academia, journalists and even creative persons like film-makers. There is, however, a controversy about his political ideology. Some call him communist; some pir. And under this inconclusive debate buried Bhashani, a man who till his last breath spent his long life only for the working people.
Next spoke Mr. Sukesh Kumar Mahali who stressed on the importance of Bhasani’s legacy as an uncompromising leader of the millions, his honesty, integrity, courage and sacrifice as a Mozlum Jananeta. He claimed that very few South Asian leaders had the magnanimity of Bhashani. He was an uncommon leader who would live among the masses forever not for his rhetoric but for his action. He would guide the oppressed and the repressed irrespective of their country or colour, language or creed, belief, gender or race. Bhashani was the only leader who had known the trajectory of South Asia true to its people’s lived reality, their rootedness, their hunger and poverty, their varied cultural tenets, etc.
Our third speaker was Zeeshan Husain. He accepted his ignorance about Bhashani and sought liberty to speak on the idea of progressive Muslim leaders like Rafi Ahmad Kidwai, Abul Kalam Azad, Bacha Khan, Zakir Husain, Mohammad Mujeeb and MA Ansari. During the talk he referred to the edited volume Oceanic Islam by Sugata Bose and Ayesha Jalal. This has essays by Iftekhar Iqbal and Andrew Sartori which mentions Bhashani’s contribution. Husain asked his audience to focus on progressive Muslim intellectuals and leaders who spread love and humanism. He also requested Free Voice to discuss works by such eminent scholars like MN Roy, Richard Eaton, Joya Chatterji and Asim Roy so that we know more deeply about the society, culture, history, to be precise, the trajectory of West Bengal. He also requested Free Voice to have discussions on leaders of immense intellectual acumen and moral integrity–Netaji, Chittaranjan Das and Dr. Ambedkar.
Finally, a college student spoke on his experience attending the event. He along with many participants wondered why they have not heard the name of such a towering selfless leader of South Asia so far, whose words would match with his political actions, whose life and action could be a source of light and moral strength for the seas of people. They are enthusiastic to learn more and more about Bhashani’s life and action.
In the present age of short reels, toxicity engulping every speheres of life, and consumption when everything, even the private emotions and feelings, has become a product to be exhibited, sold and bought in the 24×7 market, to speak of Bhashani is urgent to motivate us towards a path of life, based on idealism, truth, and commitment towards the working people. They requested us to arrange such online, and if possible offline event in future.
Overall, the event went so well. And it ended with a vote of thanks by one of the participants.
Free Voice & Vinnokatha intend to bring out such progressive leaders and intellectuals in future. If you have any idea, feel free to pitch at editor@freevoice.co.in & editor@vinnokatha.in in 100-200 words. We will get back to you in a week.
