A. K. Fazlul Huq

A. K. Fazlul Huq Biography

A. K. Fazlul Huq, popularly known as ‘Tiger of Bengal’ was an eminent nationalist and politician from Bengal of British India. He was one of the most respected Bengali statesmen of the 20^th century. He is also known as the founder of Krishak Praja Party, a party associated with the peasants of Bengal. He has also served twice as the Prime Minister of Bengal in British India. He is also known for his efforts towards Hindu-Muslim unity. Post Indian Independence, he served as the Chief Minister and Governor of East Pakistan, bringing into efforts many land reforms. He is also known for his association with Bengali Language Movement of 1952 and also established Bangla Academy in Dhaka in 1954. On charges of inciting secession, he lost his positions and was later banned from politics too. Still he remains a legacy among Bengali people. He drafted and moved the Lahore Resolution of 1940, which demanded separate homeland for Muslim League and resulted in the formation of Pakistan also.

He belonged to Jhalokati District of British India, now a part of Bangladesh. After doing Master’s in Mathematics, and also took BL degree in 1897 from the University Law College thus becoming the second Muslim from Indian subcontinent to complete Law studies. He was an iconic figure of Indian National Congress and also served as its General Secretary during the period - 1916-1918. In the 1920’s he joined Muslim League. He was also elected as the first Muslim Mayor from Kolkata, with the support of Congress party.

He started Nikhil Proja Samiti in 1929, which was later renamed as Krishak Praja Party. Though his name was nominated by Muhammad Ali Jinnah to CPB of Muslim league, Huq was not willing to dissolve his party. He terminated his alliance with the League and successfully won 35 seats as well. But his reign invited many controversies and his party became weak in the due time. During this time, he drafted and moved the Lahore Resolution of 1940. He became Chief Minister of Bengal in 1952 and also served as the Home Minister of Pakistan during the period, 1956 to 1958.

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Updated: June 16, 2014