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Obituary Bangladesh loses a revolutionary leader

THE death of Syed Abu Zafar Ahmed, the former general secretary and presidium member of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), has meant the passing away of a leader of the working class, an unflinching anti-imperialist fighter and a consistent activist against capitalism.

He died on Tuesday May 28, at the age of 65, after a long battle against heart complications, diabetes and kidney-related diseases.

Comrade Abu Zafar was born on July 11 1954 in the village of Rasulpur in the district of Maulvibazar in north-eastern Bangladesh.

His parents were Syed Monowar Ali and Syeda Aamirunnessa Khatun.

From a very early age he got involved in progressive student movements and joined the students’ union and became one of its leading lights.

He also participated in various social and cultural movements to advance the cause of democracy, secularism and socialism.

Abu Zafar was first imprisoned in 1972 when he led the militant protest against the unlawful killing of tea workers in Sylhet in eastern Bangladesh, on the Surma River.

After his release he was again arrested in February 1973 and in 1975 after the imposition of military rule he spent a further year in prison.

He graduated in philosophy and went  to Germany to further his studies.

On his return he plunged himself into the emerging struggles of landless peasants, becoming the vice-president of Khetmajur Samity.

When he became a part of the leadership team of the CPB, he was instrumental in laying the foundation for organising the garment workers of Bangladesh.

Whatever responsibility he was given on the students’, peasants’ or workers’ fronts he showed great organisational flair and an incredible talent for patient organisation.

He would became a well-loved leader wherever he was politically involved.

Perhaps Abu Zafar’s most substantial contribution lay in his key role in the ideological fightback against the inquisitionists in CPB after the fall of the Soviet Union.

He was part of a small group of comrades who ensured that the CPB was not only revived but remained active and relevant in the mainstream of the country’s politics.

During this period, Abu Zafar tirelessly moved all over the country to inspire the cadres to hold steadfast and tide over the temporary difficulties. It was a sterling performance that will forever inspire future revolutionaries.

He was elected general secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh at its 10th and 11th Congresses in 2012 and 2016 respectively.

Abu Zafar was a humble man who lived in a small room at the CPB headquarters and was accessible to all at all times.

He lived a simple life of a revolutionary leader and fighter — principled, determined and unflinching in his beliefs and practice throughout his political life.

Red salute to Comrade Zafar!

Harunor Rashid is a member of the executive committee of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (UK).

 

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