Throughout his life, Oikya Nap President Pankaj Bhattacharya has been striving to fulfill his mission to protect democracy and eradicate communalism from society, said National Professor Dr Anisuzzaman yesterday.

“He [Pankaj] has never derailed from his mission and upheld his principles,” said Prof Anisuzzaman at a civic reception organised to celebrate Bhattacharya’s 80th birthday.

Pankaj Bhattacharya 80th Birth Anniversary Celebration Nagorik Committee arranged the programme at the Central Library in Shahbagh.

Prof Anisuzzman said, “His willingness to make sacrifices for the country has made him unique. I hope he will get more time to serve people of the country.”

Born on August 6 in 1939 at Noyapara village under Raozan upazila of Chittagong, Bhattacharya took part in student movement against the autocratic government of East Pakistan in the ‘60s. He was one of the organisers of the guerilla force that fought for independence in 1971.

State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said, “The principle he [Pankaj Bhattacharya] nurtured throughout his life will be exemplary for the youth.”

In his reaction, Pankaj said, “I’m overwhelmed. I thank you all. I’ll keep up my fight against all sorts of discrimination.” 

Ayesha Khanam, president of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad; Mujahidul Islam Selim, president of Communist Party of Bangladesh; Ramendu Majumdar, cultural personality and Dr Sarwar Ali, trustee, Liberation War Museum, also spoke at the event.