No leader has emerged after Sher-e-Bangla, Bhashani, Mujib: Bangla Academy president

Bangla Academy President Abul Quasem Fazlul Huq has remarked that no leader of true stature has emerged in Bangladesh since independence.

Highlighting a crisis of political leadership, he said: “In 54 years, no one has stepped up to lead. Once there were Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq, Maulana (Abdul Hamid Khan) Bhashani, (Bangabandhu) Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. But no leader has emerged after them.”

Huq, a scholar and essayist, made the remarks on Friday at the "Dhaka University Research Excellence Recognition" event at the university’s Nawab Ali Senate Auditorium.

“Bangladesh faces problems on every front,” he said. “In 54 years, it has yet to be built as a functioning state, and currently, it’s not in a position to rise.”

Speaking about the current interim government, he noted: “Professor Muhammad Yunus also wants to shape ideal politics, talking about a Bangladesh that can lead globally. These are good intentions. But with weak leadership and a weak populace, such goals aren’t possible.”

He added, “Whenever reform is discussed, political parties or some force stands in opposition. Parties are unwilling to compromise even an inch. There’s deep inequality between the rich and the poor. How can Bangladesh develop under such conditions?”

Addressing educators, Fazlul Huq said: “There’s no teacher in Bangladesh today who can speak boldly on the global stage. People pursue PhDs just for job promotions.”

The event was also attended by Planning Advisor Wahiduddin Mahmud, Dhaka University Emeritus Professor Serajul Islam Choudhury, Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Mamun Ahmed, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Saima Haque Bidisha.