Maulana M. A. Mannan (Rah.)

Alhaj Maulana Muhammad Abdul Mannan (Rah.) was an internationally renowned visionary reformer, Islamic scholar, distinguished politician, former minister, educator, and visionary leader who founded The Daily Inqilab and Inqilab Enterprise and Publications in 1986 with a fearless vision to speak the truth, uphold values, and stand firmly with the people. Born in 1933 into a renowned Muslim family in Kerowa village, Faridganj, Chandpur, he was the son of Sufi Mohammad Yasin (RA), a universally respected spiritual leader and Pir who held the title Shaikh Tariqat.

He earned the highest degree in Islamic education, Mumtazul Mahaddesheen, and gained international recognition as an Islamic scholar. After many years as a madrasa teacher and principal, he entered active politics in 1962, when he was elected a Member of the Provincial Assembly and Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Local Government. In 1964 he became Secretary General of the East Pakistan Muslim League, and in 1965 a member of the Pakistan Ideology Council. As the special envoy of President Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan, he visited almost every Muslim country and met with their heads of government.

After the establishment of Bangladesh, he was elected a Member of Parliament in 1979. Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman appointed him a member of Dutpul. In 1981 he served as State Minister for Education under President Abdus Sattar, and in 1986 President H. M. Ershad appointed him Minister of Religious Affairs while also assigning him responsibility for the Ministry of Relief and Rehabilitation. He carried out both responsibilities with great efficiency and dedication.

Known for his legendary organizational skills, Maulana M. A. Mannan took charge of the madrasa teachers' organization Modarresin in 1976. Under his leadership it united 200,000 madrasa teachers under one umbrella, and he remained the undisputed President of Jamiatul Modarresin until his death. In 1977 he founded the Bangladesh Teachers Association Federation, which earned recognition as the largest organization of its kind in the world, and he served as its President for more than a decade.

His greatest achievement was establishing The Daily Inqilab, one of the country's most widely read and circulated daily newspapers, where he served as Founder Managing Director. He also established the Gausul Azam Jame Mosque in Mohakhali and the Jamiatul Modarresin Complex. His religious, social, and public service will remain worthy of remembrance for generations to come.