Leaders of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) on Thursday pledged to continue the struggle for an egalitarian, democratic state and society, following the ideals of late Comrade Mohammad Farhad.

Speaking at a memorial meeting marking the 38th death anniversary of the veteran leftist leader, CPB President Sajjad Zaher Chandan said Comrade Farhad had dedicated his entire life to fighting inequality and injustice.

“From the anti-British movement to the struggles against Pakistani autocracy, from the Language Movement to the mass upsurge of 1969 and the Liberation War of 1971, Comrade Farhad played an exemplary role,” he said. “CPB continues to move forward on the path he showed.”

The memorial meeting, held at Mukti Bhaban in Purana Paltan in the afternoon, was presided over by CPB President Sajjad Zaher Chandan and conducted by Presidium Member Jolly Talukder.

Speakers included former CPB President and Presidium Member Mujahidul Islam Selim, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad President Dr. Fauzia Moslem, former CPB General Secretary and Central Committee Member Ruhin Hossain Prince, and Central Committee Member Dr. Dibalok Singh.

Mujahidul Islam Selim said Comrade Farhad remains relevant in every national crisis. “He had the rare ability to guide the nation during complex political and constitutional situations,” he said.

Selim noted that Bangladesh is now at a “dangerous crossroads,” calling for reforms in line with the aspirations of the mass uprising of 1969.

“Constitutional reforms should be carried out by an elected parliament, not by government fiat or referendum,” he said. “The government’s main duty is to ensure free, fair, and impartial national elections.”

Dr. Fauzia Moslem highlighted Farhad’s leadership during the Liberation War, saying he played a key role in organising the special guerrilla force formed by the Communist Party, NAP, and the Student Union. “He was instrumental not only in organising and training the fighters but also in securing arms under extremely difficult geopolitical conditions,” she said.

Ruhin Hossain Prince said successive governments failed to fulfil the aspirations of the Liberation War. “Instead, communalism, misogyny, and suppression of dissent have pushed the state toward a reactionary path,” he said. “At such a time, Comrade Farhad’s ideals inspire our struggle for a progressive Bangladesh.”

Dr. Dibalok Singh said Comrade Farhad envisioned a society where all people — irrespective of gender, religion, or identity — would enjoy human dignity. “He fought for that dream all his life, and it is now the responsibility of the new generation to carry that struggle forward,” he added.