Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today said Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq was not just a politician but a true pioneer of education, rights and social emancipation of Bengali Muslims.

"With the help of Sher-e-Bangla, the farmers of this region were freed from the exploitation and debt trap of the zamindars (landlords)," he said. 

The information minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a function organised by the ‘Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq Foundation’ to provide financial assistance to underprivileged children as Eid gifts.

The meeting was held at the conference room of the International Mother Language Institute in the city's Segunbagicha area.

Referring to his family memories, Swapon said: "I personally have deep feelings associated with the name of Sher-e-Bangla. My grandfather was the general secretary of the North Barishal Krishak Praja Party and a close disciple of Sher-e-Bangla."

"Since my childhood, I was inspired to become a political activist by hearing stories of Sher-e-Bangla's heroism and social reforms from my grandfather," he said. 

The minister said after becoming the first elected Prime Minister of United Bengal in 1937, Sher-e-Bangla played a unique role in spreading the light of education among Bengali Muslims.

The formation of his historic Debt Arbitration Board freed the exploited farmers of this country from the debt trap and the path to the abolition of the zamindari system was paved, he said. 

The information minister said even after the success of Sher-e-Bangla's main political goal or agenda (abolition of zamindari and emancipation of the commoners), his legacy in traditional politics came to an end, he will remain relevant forever as a great social reformer.

He asked the Sher-e-Bangla Foundation to undertake research and long-term planning to convey the work of this great leader to the new generation.

Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq Foundation President Engineer Md Abu Hanif presided over the meeting, while Syed Margub Morshed, the Foundation's chief adviser, former Information Secretary and former BTRC Chairman, was present as a special guest.

Foundation General Secretary Md Ziaur Rahman moderated the programme.

On the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, financial assistance was distributed to underprivileged children of 20 orphanages and madrasas in Dhaka and different districts of the country as Eid gifts.