The 40th death anniversary of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, a prominent political leader in British India, is being observed across the country on Thursday.Bhasani, popularly known as ‘Majlum Jananeta’, the leader of the downtrodden, passed away on November 17, 1976. Different socio-cultural organisations and political parties have chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the day. Born in 1880 in Dhangara, Sirajganj, Bhasani gained immense popularity among peasants. He is regarded as the proponent of secular and left-leaning politics in present-day Bangladesh. He was the founder and president of the Pakistan Awami Muslim League which later became Awami League (AL). He also formed a progressive political organisation called National Awami Party (NAP). On the occasion, President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia have issued separate messages paying rich tributes to the memory of the great leader.