Hasem Ali Khan

He was conferred the title of Khan Bahadur by the British Raj as recognition of his contribution for maintaining peaceful relations between people of different faiths.

His ancestor Falah Ali Khan Lodi had arrived in Bengal from Delhi after being granted a Lakheraj of land around the village of Sehangal.

During study at high school level, he became fan of Mahatma Ossini Kumar Dutta and took indoctrination to him.

Hashim Ali khan took part against historical Bengal Partisan Movement known as Bango Bhangha during study in Barisal Zila School.

Finally, in 1913, he passed B.L Examination from Kolkata Ripon College and started Law practice at Alipur Court.

On 2 June 1921, Mahatma Gandhi and Mohammad Ali Jauhar visited Barisal after being invited by Khan and Aswini Kumar Dutta.

His political wisdom and ability to impress common people eventually helped him to become a successful politician in Bengal.

However, when farmers lost their right of holding land due to act of permanent settlement by Lord Cornwallis and became victimized by landlord and British tax collectors, then Khan stood beside them to protect and to establish their.

He started Proja Andolon (civic movement) in Barisal on request of A. K. Fazlul Huq to preserve and protect rights of farmers.

During his leadership in Barisal Proja Andolon, police and Gurkha army of British rulers fired in a procession of the movement in 1922, many people were wounded and killed.

For instance, due to Satyagraha Andolon led by Satindranth Sen in Barisal, tension between Muslim and Hindu was arisen.

Hasem Ali Khan played an important role to appease the both community and prevented bloodshed.

As continuation of his movement, Hasem Ali Khan formed Bakergonj Mohamedan Association to reserve social and religious rights of the common people.

He found that only Hasem Ali Khan can play role to keep peace and Hindu-Muslim unity because of his acceptance to both communities.

In that meeting Hasem Ali Khan presented a heart touchy speech emphasizing on the unity of Hindu-Muslim for the freedom of India.

In addition, the award was also recognition of his contribution to protect legal rights of Muslim Community after incidence of Kulkathi village.

In 1934, he became of Bengal legislature from Bakergonj's Kotowali, Nolchiti, Kaukhali, Sorupkhathi, Pirozpur, Nazirpur region of Barisal Mahkuma.

In 1936, Hasem Ali Khan contested in Barisal District Board Election under banner of Krishok-Proja Sommitte.

Hasem Ali Khan also supported Subhas Chandra Bose in Hallow well Movement as close friend of Subas Basu.

Famous writers and poets like Abul Mansur Ahmed, Qazi Nazrul Islam, Zainul Abedin were involved with this newspaper.