‘Haider was never a follower of hardline ideology’

Haider Akbar Khan Rono was never a follower of hardline ideology. He tried to open the way for discussion by bringing together leftist leaders of different poles. Haider’s role was direct and important in the student movement of 1962, the mass uprising of 1969, the liberation war of 1971 and every subsequent anti-dictatorship movement.

Essayist Sohrab Hasan came up with the observations while addressing a discussion, titled “Haider Akbar Khan Rono: Ajiban Biplab-Prayasi”, organized at the central stage on Amar Ekushey Book Fair premises on Monday (February 3).

He said, “Haider was interested in diverse subjects beyond politics. He presented the complex issues of Marxist philosophy and science to the readers in very simple language.”

Abdullah Al Kafi Ratan, Jolly Talukdar and Ananya Laboni Putul participated in the discussion chaired by Deepa Dutta.

Sohrab Hasan said Haider Akbar Khan Rono was one of the leading figures of left politics in Bangladesh. He was a student and teacher of left politics in this country at the same time. He passed on the lessons he learned from his elders to his younger comrades.

At the event, the discussants said Haider Akbar Khan Rono grew up with progressive thinking since childhood. The study and practice of Marxist theory was combined in his life. His relationship with the working class and workers was deep. Haider, a very humble person, remained steadfast in his principles despite many differences among the leftists.

The discussants said that he fought for his life with the dream of socialism that he cherished within himself.

Deepa Dutta said, "Haider Akbar Khan Rono was a lifelong revolutionary. He was not only a communist leader, but also a theorist. His writings, political ideals, honesty, dedication, and concentration will be an inspiration for us in the future."