Mongla, Bagerhat, Mar 18 (V7N) – A memorial meeting was held on Tuesday, March 18, to mark the 21st martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Abdul Baten, a renowned labor leader and social activist. The event took place at the Mongla Press Club auditorium, organized by Mongla Civil Society and Service Bangladesh.

Speakers at the event highlighted Abdul Baten's lifelong dedication to social justice, labor rights, and education. They emphasized that his leadership is still relevant today in the fight for equality, human dignity, and justice. They also noted that Baten’s legacy continues to inspire the younger generation to build a humane and harmonious Mongla.

The memorial meeting and prayer service was presided over by Mongla Civil Society Convener Md. Nur Alam Sheikh. Prominent figures who addressed the gathering included: BNP leaders: Mahbubur Rahman Manik, Sheikh Rustam Ali, Khorshed Alam. Good Governance Activists: Francis Sudan Halder, President of Mongla for Good Governance. Education Leaders: Subhash Chandra Biswas, President of Father Rigon Education Development Foundation; Principal Md. Selim; Dr. Asit Basu, Secretary of Mongla Government College Teachers' Council. Family Representative: Md. Jasim Uddin, brother of Shaheed Abdul Baten. Media & Civil Society Members: Ahsan Habib Hasan, President of Mongla Press Club; Mostafizur Rahman Milon, President of Service Bangladesh; Journalist Shafiqul Islam Shanto. Labor & Worker Representatives: Md. Anwar Hossain, Regional General of Launch Labor Association; Abdus Salam Bepari, President of Rickshaw Workers Union. Md. Nur Alam Sheikh, convener of Mongla Civil Society, remarked that Abdul Baten was widely respected beyond political lines. He played a key role in the establishment of Monglaport Municipality, improving workers' living standards, and expanding educational opportunities.

Shaheed Abdul Baten was a founding chairman of Monglaport Municipality, one of the founders of Mongla Government College, and a well-known labor leader and education advocate. On March 18, 2004, he was shot dead by assailants in front of his house, marking a tragic loss for the community.

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