Bhashani did not practise politics for power

Maulana Bhashani did not engage in politics for the pursuit of power. He never sought positions such as minister or ambassador. Instead, he stood beside working people and remained involved in their struggle throughout his life, said veteran scholar and Emeritus Professor Sirajul Islam Chowdhury.
No other leader in the subcontinent has practiced politics so consistently in support of working people, he added.
He made these remarks while delivering speech at the inaugural session of an international conference titled 'Decolonization and Maulana Bhashani' at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building of the Dhaka University (DU) on Tuesday.
The two-day international conference has been organised by the Centre for Advanced Research in Arts and Social Sciences (CARASS), DU.
Education Adviser Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, Professor Ahmed Kamal, and CARASS Director Professor Dr. Ashfaq Hossain also spoke at the inaugural session. Associate Professor Dr. Iftekhar Iqbal of the University of Brunei Darussalam presented the keynote paper.
Professor Sirajul Islam Chowdhury described Maulana Bhashani as an anti-imperialist leader, and said he firmly believed in the idea of decolonisation. Bhashani envisioned a democratic and emancipatory country where equal rights and opportunities would be ensured and power would be decentralised.
The education adviser said Maulana Bhashani was a moral voice and a conscience of society. He believed that religion could be a source of moral strength for individuals, but the governance of the state must be grounded in equality, justice, and human dignity.
"From his spirit, the society can learn that schools and universities must be spaces where debate is safe, dissent is possible, and courage to speak the truth is encouraged," he added.
Dr. Iftekhar Iqbal discussed various aspects of Bhashani's political life and ideological practices. The more people engage with his ideas, the more beneficial it would be for society.
Professor Dr. Ashfaq Hossain described Bhashani as one of the most experienced and globally significant leaders, not only in Asia but across the world.