-Md. Kamal Uddin: Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. A great soul has passed away. A man has passed away, whose name brings to mind the soil of Chittagong, the history of the Liberation War, the honesty of politics and the dream of development. Engineer Mosharraf Hossain is no more—this news is not just news of a death, it is like a deep sigh that has torn the chest of the political history of Bangladesh. He fell ill while under treatment at Dhaka PG Hospital while in prison, and after being released from prison, he breathed his last today at Dhaka Square Hospital. It is difficult to accept the scene that the last chapter of the life of a heroic freedom fighter, a builder, an honest and idealistic politician will end like this. This is like a silent question to history, an uncomfortable responsibility to conscience. Engineer Mosharraf Hossain was a man of that generation who considered politics not a profession but an ideal. Who loved the country selflessly. Who did politics for the people, not for power. During the great liberation war in 1971, he was the sub-sector commander of Sector-1. His name is associated with the courageous history of stopping the advance of the Pakistani invading forces by blowing up the Shuvapur Bridge. He was a fearless organizer and a brave fighter in that valiant campaign to save Chittagong. The young man who risked his life for the country’s independence later became a tireless craftsman of development and public welfare. His honesty in politics was legendary. He was a polite, elegant, restrained and steadfast man. When many changed their positions due to the change of power and took refuge in opportunistic politics, Mosharraf Hossain was like a steadfast tree. In the difficult times of the party, he did not leave the party, did not sell the ideology, and never put personal interests above the country. Six times as a member of parliament, minister, district Awami League president and general secretary—he performed all the duties with extraordinary skill and reputation. His mark is still evident in the development of North Chittagong, roads, infrastructure, township formation. He was a leader to whom the common people could easily go and speak their minds. Power did not make him arrogant; rather, it made him more humble. His father S. Rahman was a visionary businessman and politician. Despite being the successor of that family, Mosharraf Hossain created a different level with his own honesty and efficiency. ‘Hotel Simon’, ‘Peninsula’, ‘Gasmin Limited’—in every field of business, he had creative thinking and sincere efforts to create employment for the people. He understood that a country has to be moved forward not only through politics, but also through economy and employment. But today, the context of his death hurts the most.
The man who fought for independence, who contributed to the formation of the state, who worked for the people for a long time in his life—his last days were spent in prison. This scene is not only painful, but it is also a matter of deep self-criticism for the nation. After a person dies, his position and title do not remain, only his work and humanity remain. In that place, Engineer Mosharraf Hossain was a shining name. He has proven that politics can be done with honesty, leadership can be done with politeness, and patriotism can also go a long way. Today, Chittagong is mourning. Politics is mourning. Every person who believes in the spirit of the Liberation War is mourning. The alleys, hills, rivers, and towns of Chittagong—everywhere seems to be a silent sadness today. The pain of losing a guardian is spread in people’s eyes, memories, and words. Death stops people, but it cannot stop ideals. Mosharraf Hossain may have left the light of the world today, but he will remain in the history of Bangladesh, in the glory of the Liberation War, in every pillar of Chittagong’s development and in the depths of people’s love. History will remember him as a heroic freedom fighter. Politics will remember him as an honest man. Chittagong will remember him as a guardian. And people will remember – not all leaders are the same. There are some people who show the way like light even after death. May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdous. Deepest condolences to his bereaved family, well-wishers and fellow soldiers. Engineer Mosharraf Hossain, you are not lost – you have become history.