‎Salam Talukder’s politics was solely for the people, speakers say at memorial meeting ‎

A discussion meeting was held on Friday morning to mark the 27th death anniversary of former BNP Secretary General and eminent national leader Barrister Abdus Salam Talukder.
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‎Jamalpur Samity, Dhaka organized the event at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) in the capital.
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‎At the beginning of the programme, Supreme Court lawyer and vice-president of Jamalpur Samity Advocate Mujibur Rahman recalled his memories of Barrister Abdus Salam Talukder. He highlighted various aspects of the late leader’s legal career and social life, as well as his political etiquette and personal qualities.
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‎Speakers at the meeting said Barrister Abdus Salam Talukder played a significant role as one of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s key associates during the anti-autocracy movement of the 1990s, the mass uprising and the restoration of parliamentary democracy through free and fair elections.
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‎They said that alongside his role in street movements, he earned a distinct place in the public mind for his political integrity, education, humanity and strong moral values. The meeting also discussed his political career, achievements and humanitarian contributions.
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‎Speaking as the chief guest, Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya, said there is no shortage of politicians who seek to demonstrate their power, but there is a serious lack of wise leaders capable of making decisions based on principles and ideals.
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‎“Barrister Abdus Salam Talukder was one of those rare politicians who knew how to remain humble even while holding power,” Manna said. He added that Talukder had devoted himself fully to strengthening and organizing his party.
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‎Manna also highlighted Talukder’s role in the anti-autocracy movement of the 1990s and his courtesy toward political opponents, describing it as a rare example for politics today.
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‎Faridul Kabir Talukder Shamim, a former president of Jamalpur district BNP and incumbent MP from Jamalpur-4, spoke as a special guest. Describing Talukder as his political mentor and legacy, Shamim said the late leader was not merely a leader of Jamalpur or the BNP, but a guardian of the country’s multiparty democracy.
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‎“Personally, he was like a banyan tree to me. Under his shade, I learned the true lessons of patriotism and politics,” Shamim said.
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‎He added that Talukder had shown how to remain close to the people and win their hearts even while occupying the highest positions of power.
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‎Professor Dr Habibullah Talukder Raskin, secretary general of Jamalpur Samity and a noted physician, was the chief discussant at the meeting.
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‎He said Barrister Abdus Salam Talukder was not only a successful politician and accomplished lawyer but also a deeply humanitarian person.
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‎“His generous heart rose far above power and position, with the welfare of ordinary people always coming first,” Dr Raskin said.
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‎He also highlighted Talukder’s significant contributions to the development of Jamalpur and its people, as well as to various social and healthcare initiatives.
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‎Engineer Ahsan Habib, organizing secretary of Jamalpur Samity, Dhaka, along with other leaders and activists of the organization and distinguished individuals, attended the programme.

-HIS