The sixth International Bhasani Conference, honoring the life and legacy of Bangladeshi political leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, held Sunday, Sept. 20,2026 at the Queens Palace in Woodside, New York.
The conference, organized by the Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani Foundation USA, brought together academics, researchers, writers, community leaders and cultural figures for discussions on Bhasani’s political philosophy, social justice and legacy.
Speakers reflected on Bhasani’s work on behalf of farmers, workers and disadvantaged communities, as well as his opposition to colonialism and imperialism. The conference also examined the continuing relevance of his ideas in discussions about social and economic justice.
Professor Salimullah Khan of North South University in Dhaka delivered the keynote address.
Other speakers included City University professor emeritus Anisuzzaman Chowdhury; Abid Bahar of Montreal; M. Siraj Uddin Mia, former principal secretary to the chief adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government; London-based Bhasani researcher Laily Uddin; Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Babul of the Bhasani Followers Council Bangladesh; social worker and political figure Nahid H. Khan; and freedom fighter Imranul Haque Chakladar.
The program also included a screening of the documentary “Bangladesher Gana-Abhyutthan 2024,” or “Bangladesh Mass Uprising 2024.” Writer, researcher and filmmaker Soumitra Dastidar, founder of the Bhasani Study Circle in Kolkata, was associated with the documentary presentation.
Along with speeches and discussions, the conference featured folk and traditional music performances by Krishna Tithi, Mariam Maria and Karim Hawladar, adding a cultural element to the day’s program.
Ali Imam, president of the organizing committee, and Moin Uddin Naser, its general secretary, helped lead the event.
Organizers said the conference was intended to provide a forum for scholars, researchers and community members to examine Bhasani’s political and social contributions and encourage further discussion and research on his legacy.
