AK Fazlul Huq, popularly known as Sher-e-Bangla or Hak Saheb, was born on October 26 in 1873 at his maternal uncle's house at Saturia in Jhalakati and passed away on April 27 in 1962 in Dhaka.

In his checkered political life, the great statesman held different posts, including Mayor of Kolkata (1935), Chief Minister of the undivided Bengal (1937-1943) and East Bengal (1954), Home Minister of Pakistan (1955) and Governor of East Pakistan (1956-58).

President Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed paid their rich tributes to Sher-e-Bangla, who fought for the common people, especially for the rights of the peasants.

In a message, Iajuddin said the nation recalls the contribution of Sher-e-Bangla to socio-economic uplift of farmers and labourers.

He appreciated the contribution of the late leader to "spread of education and making the nation self-reliant and emancipating the farmers by forming 'Rin Salishi Board.'

In his message, Fakhruddin said Sher-e-Bangla had played a "pioneering role in launching movement against the colonial rule and establishing the rights of poor and deprived people".

Both the head of state and the head of caretaker government observed that Sher-e-Bangla's "farsighted political and social thoughts and patriotism, boundless courage and deep sympathy for the people would remain a source of continuous inspiration for all".

Awami League President Sheikh Hasina in her message paid her deep tribute to the memory of Sher-e-Bangla and prayed for salvation of his departed soul.

She called upon the historians and researchers to properly present Sher-e-Bangla to the new generation.

BSS adds: In her message, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia said Sher-e-Bangla left behind a unique example of patriotism by devoting himself in the welfare of the country and its people.

"His patriotism inspires us to devote ourselves in the welfare of the country and the nation," she said and urged the countrymen to contribute from their respective positions to the protection of independence and sovereignty, and continuation of the democratic march forward.

Different socio-cultural and political organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the day in a befitting manner. The porgrammes include placing wreaths at his mazar, doa mahfil and discussions.

Leaders of Sher-e-Bangla National Memorial Council will place wreaths at his mazar at 8:00 am today.