Pakistan High Commission holds seminar marking Nawab Sir Salimullah’s 155th birth anniversary

The Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka organised a seminar on the life and legacy of Nawab Sir Salimullah Bahadur on Wednesday to mark his 155th birth anniversary.

Titled “The Legacy of the Nawab: An Ode to the Life and Times of Sir Salimullah Bahadur”, the seminar paid tribute to his contributions as a statesman, philanthropist, educationist and one of the key figures in shaping Muslim political consciousness in South Asia.

The event was attended by academics, historians, researchers, media representatives and members of the Nawab family, including Nawabzada Khwaja Samiullah Askari, great-grandson of Nawab Sir Salimullah Bahadur.

In his welcome address, Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider welcomed the guests and members of the Nawab family. He said Nawab Sir Salimullah’s vision, leadership and public service played an important role in the political awakening of Muslims in the subcontinent.

The high commissioner highlighted Nawab Sir Salimullah’s historic role in facilitating the establishment of the All-India Muslim League in Dhaka in 1906 and praised his contributions to education, public welfare and institutional development.

The seminar featured presentations by academics and researchers on different aspects of Nawab Sir Salimullah’s life and achievements.

Dr Mohammad Alamgir of Asian University of Bangladesh discussed the history of the Nawabs of Dhaka and highlighted Nawab Sir Salimullah’s leadership during a transformative period in Bengal’s history.

Prof Nahid Afrose Kabir of BRAC University spoke about his pioneering contributions to education in East Bengal, saying his vision and philanthropy brought significant social changes.

Zafar Sobhan, former editor of Dhaka Tribune and editor of CounterPoint, highlighted Nawab Sir Salimullah’s contribution to Muslim political thought and his vision for political representation and collective progress.

Nawabzada Khwaja Samiullah Askari shared personal reflections on his great-grandfather’s legacy and stressed the importance of continuing his ideals of public service, education and responsible leadership.

At the end of the seminar, the high commissioner presented souvenirs to the speakers. A photo exhibition featuring rare photographs and archival materials on the life and contributions of Nawab Sir Salimullah Bahadur was also organised.

Special prayers were offered for the departed soul of Nawab Sir Salimullah Bahadur.