Photo: BSS

TANGAIL, July 14, 2026 (BSS)- A memorial meeting and Doa mahfil was held in the district to mark the sixth death anniversary of Shahjahan Siraj, who read out the manifesto of Bangladesh's independence at a historic rally in 1971, a freedom fighter and a former minister.

The memorial meeting was organised by the college authorities this afternoon at the Rabeya Siraj Academic Building auditorium of Kalihati Shahjahan Siraj College in Kalihati upazila of the district.

Md. Lutfar Rahman Matin, member of Parliament for the Tangail-4 constituency, was present as the chief guest. 

In his speech, the chief guest said that the historic student leader Shahjahan Siraj played a highly significant role in the Six-Point Movement of 1966 and the Mass Uprising of 1969. 

Additionally, he read out the great Declaration of Independence on March 3, 1971 at a tumultuous gathering of students and the public at Paltan Maidan, he added.

Lutfar Rahman prayed for the forgiveness of the late Shahjahan Siraj's soul and recalled his colorful political life, his contributions to the great Liberation War and his unforgettable role for the country.

The memorial meeting was presided over by Barrister Sarwat Siraj Shukla, President of the Shahjahan Siraj College Governing Body and daughter of the late leader. 

After the memorial meeting, a special doa and munajat (supplication) was held seeking forgiveness for the departed soul of Shahjahan Siraj.

Political leaders, freedom fighters, teachers, students, distinguished citizens, and people from various walks of life participated.

After independence, he was one of the key founders of the National Socialist Party (JASAD) and later became involved in national politics with the BNP.

He was elected as a Member of Parliament a total of five times from the Tangail-4 (Kalihati) constituency. 

Throughout his illustrious political career, he served with great integrity and competence as the State Minister for Shipping and later as the Minister for Forests and Environment.