OUR CORRESPONDENT
The 101st birth anniversary of martyred national leader Abul Hasnat Mohammad (A H M) Kamaruzzaman is today (26 June).
He was born on 26 June 1923 at Nurpur village under Bagatipara police station in Natore. His father Abdul Hamid Mia was a renowned politician and social worker, while mother Zebun Nessa was a housewife. Kamaruzzaman was the eldest among 12 brothers and sisters.
He obtained his graduation degree with honours in Economics from Presidency College, Calcutta in 1946 and LLB degree from Rajshahi University in 1956.
A H M Kamaruzzaman was involved in politics from his student life. He was elected the secretary of Nikhil Banga Muslim Chhatra League of Rajshahi district in 1942 and was its vice-president from 1943 to 1945.
He joined Awami League (AL) in 1957 and was elected the general secretary of AL Rajshahi district in 1957. He was also elected a member of Jatiya Parishad in 1962 and 1966. In 1967 he was elected the deputy leader of the Opposition and the general secretary of Nikhil Pakistan Awami League.
He played a vital role in forming the Mujibnagar Government during the Liberation War as the minister of home, agriculture, relief and rehabilitation.
A H M Kamaruzzaman was elected the President of Bangladesh Awami League, and was given the charge of the Ministry of Industries in 1975.
After the killing of Bangabandhu and his family members on 15 August 1975, four national leaders - Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed, A H M Kamazurzzaman and Caption Monsur Ali - were imprisoned. On 3 November 1975, the assailants brutally killed them inside the jail.
A H M Kamaruzzaman was the father of six children. His son A H M Khairuzzaman Liton is now the Presidium Member of AL and the Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation.