Osmanis 28th death anniversary being observed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The 28th death anniversary of General MAG Osmani, the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces during the War of Liberation, is being observed in the district with due respect.
Although the occasion is not being observed nationally, some local organizations have drawn up elaborate programmes to mark the day.
Bangabir Osmani Smrity Parishad, Grater Sylhet Ganadabi Parishad, Mahiuddin Shiru Parishad, Sylhet City College and Shajalal City College placed wreath and offered prayers at his grave in the morning.
Meanwhile, Osmani museum is likely to hold a doa mahfil at 4pm and Bhasani- Osmani Smriti Sansad will offer special prayer at a local mosque after the Johor prayer.
Besides, Shajalal City College will hold a discussion meeting and doa mahfil at the students auditorium of the college at about 7pm. Later, they will distribute swing machines among poor people.
Among others, Sylhet City Corporation Mayor Badruddin Ahmed Kamran and district deputy commissioner Abduj Jahir Chowdhury Sufian are expected to attend the discussion.
Osmani was born in Balaganj under Sylhet district on September1, 1918. He passed matriculation from Sylhet Government Pilot School in 1934, securing 1st division marks - which was a rare feat in those times. Like many Muslim Bengali students of the era, He attended Aligarh Muslim University, India and graduated in 1938.
He started his carrier as an officer with the British Indian Army in 1939and promoted to the rank of Major in 1942. He opted to join the Pakistan Army after British departed leaving the two new independent nations of India and Pakistan in 1947 as a Lieutenant Colonel.
He was elected as Commander -in-Chief of Bangladesh Forces in 1971 by all the Bengali officers, who were the principal participants during the early inception of the independence declaration on March 26, 1971.
General Osmany, the C-in-C, retired as the first full General (four star) of Bangladesh Forces, which was replaced by Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force.
After serving in various government posts during 1972-1975 until his resignation, he was also active in politics during 1977-1984 as the head of Jatiya Janata Party until his death.