By The Editor
Peace and tranquility are highly essential for progress and development failing which nations will continue to remain backward and underdeveloped. Bangladesh has enjoyed strong and stable government for quite number of years under premiership of Sheikh Hasina of Awami League party who has been maintaining close and cordial relationship with India. Mohammad Abdul Hamid was president of Bangladesh for two consecutive five-year terms (2003-2023) whose tenure will end on April 23 this year and to be succeeded by Mohammad Shahabuddin Chuppu, 74, who was elected unopposed. Hamid was the longest-serving president of Bangladesh and according to the Constitution he cannot hold a third term. However, transfer of presidential power was peaceful and smooth and as per gazette notification issued on February 13 on appointment of the new Bangladesh President by Chief Election Commissioner, Chuppu will be the 22nd President of Bangladesh. Senior Awami League leader and seven-time lawmaker Hamid was elected Bangladesh president in the last two elections.
When India was bifurcated in 1947 leading to formation of Hindu-majority country of Hindustan or India and Muslim-majority country of Pakistan on the basis of religious affiliation, East Bengal was detached from Bengal, India to become East Pakistan. Many years before the British rule in the Indian sub-continent, low-caste Hindus were converted to Islam in large numbers. However, Bengalis of East Pakistan were not treated well by the new rulers of Pakistan dominated by non-Bengalis mostly Panjabis. Under leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Awami League party, with assistance from India, Bangladesh “land of the Bengalis” became free country in January 1972 which is surrounded nearby on all sides by India except in south east by Myanmar. Despite religious differences between Hindus and Muslims in Bangladesh yet they share similar cultural traits. Total land area of Bangladesh is 144,000 sqkm (55,600 square miles) and has very big population making it the world’s most densely populated country.
Chuppu who was born in north-western Pabna district was leader of Awami League’s student and of youth wing in late 1960s and early 1970s. He also took part in 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh and was imprisoned for waging protest after the assassination of Bangabahdhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman the founder of Bangladesh and father of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In 1982 he was inducted into country’s judicial service. He was district and sessions judge and then served as one of the commissioners of the independent Anti-Corruption Commission. Later Chuppu joined politics and became member of Awami League Advisory Council comprising senior party leaders and technocrats. Before assuming post of President of Bangladesh which is titular he will have to relinquish all party posts. His wife Rebeka Sultana is former joint secretary to the government. As President, Chuppu will guide the nation in improving its economy with special attention to agriculture and industry which have great potential besides other relevant matters.