ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, the National Press Club in Dhaka arranged an event in remembrance of Pakistan’s founding father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, to mark his 76th death anniversary with Urdu songs, poetry, and recitals this week, according to a report published by a Bangladeshi newspaper on Thursday.
The tribute to Jinnah comes at a time of profound political change in Bangladesh, where just weeks ago, a student-led protest toppled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid’s government, marking the end of her 15-year rule.
The unrest led to the toppling of statues of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation’s founding father and Wajid’s father, amidst widespread dissatisfaction with his daughter’s increasingly autocratic governance.
The event in remembrance of Pakistan’s founding leader is particularly striking, given Bangladesh’s historical resentment toward Pakistan over the events of the 1971 independence war, signaling a re-evaluation of the country’s political and historical narratives, driven by a turbulent domestic environment and evolving sentiments toward its neighbors.
“If Bangladesh had not been part of Pakistan in 1947, we would have been in the same position as Kashmir today, with the Indian junta holding weapons to our necks,” one of the speakers identified as Muhammad Samsuddin was quoted as saying by Dhaka Tribune. “Bangladesh gained independence because of Pakistan, which Jinnah helped create.”
“Why should we change the name of Allama Iqbal Hall or Jinnah Avenue,” he asked. “These changes were made because [New] Delhi wanted them, but we did not. Bangladesh must foster strong relations with China and Pakistan.”
Another speaker, Nazrul Islam, said Bangladesh should continue to have good relations with Pakistan.
“If Jinnah had not been there, Pakistan would not have existed, and without Pakistan, Bangladesh would not exist,” he continued. “Jinnah is the father of our nation, but we do not acknowledge it.”
“We must preserve our brotherhood, and I hope that both Jinnah’s birth and death anniversaries will continue to be observed here every year,” he added.
The Bangladeshi newspaper informed the Pakistani high commissioner was invited to the event, though he could not attend the ceremony and sent his deputy.
Two Pakistani students studying in Bangladesh were present at the gathering and performed Urdu songs dedicated to their country’s founding father.
Dhaka’s National Press Club marks 76th death anniversary of Pakistan’s founder
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Dhaka’s National Press Club marks 76th death anniversary of Pakistan’s founder
- Participants say Bangladesh would have been treated like Kashmir if it had not been part of Pakistan in 1947
- They emphasize the need for closer relations with Pakistan and China, asking their country to honor MA Jinnah
Omani, Pakistani navies conduct joint passage exercise to enhance interoperability
- The development came as a Pakistani flotilla visited Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat on overseas deployment
- Pakistan, Oman are maritime neighbors and frequently hold visits of dignitaries, port calls and joint exercises
ISLAMABAD: The Omani and Pakistani navies conducted a joint passage exercise in regional waters aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening maritime cooperation between the two countries, Pakistan Navy said on Sunday.
The development came after a Pakistani flotilla, comprising naval ships Rah Naward and Madadgar and a Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) ship PMSS Kashmir, visited Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat, according to the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) of Pakistan Navy.
“Following the port call, PN and PMSA ships conducted a passage exercise with Royal Oman Navy ship KHASAB,” the DGPR said in a statement.
“The exercise at sea aimed to enhance interoperability between the two navies and promote shared learning through bilateral conduct of naval exercises.”
During the visit, Pakistani Mission Commander Commodore Amir Iqbal, along with commanding officers, held meetings with Omani naval leadership, according to the statement.
“During these interactions, matters of mutual interest, navy-to-navy engagements, and cooperation in maritime security were discussed,” the statement read.
“RNO (Royal Navy of Oman) officers and midshipmen also visited onboard ships and discussed topics of mutual maritime interest with PN officers.”
Pakistan and Oman are maritime neighbors and frequently hold visits of dignitaries, port calls by ships and joint exercises.
Last month, naval commanders of Pakistan and Oman met in Islamabad and signed an agreement to share shipping information with each other.
“The MoU is aimed at establishing of guidelines and procedures for information sharing in order to enhance mutual awareness of white shipping,” Pakistan Navy said in a statement.
