The 42nd death anniversary of Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan, former Chief of Naval Staff and former communications and agriculture minister, is being observed today with due respect and solemnity across Bangladesh and abroad. Khan, who passed away on August 6, 1984, is remembered for his significant contributions to the modernization of the Bangladesh Navy, public service, philanthropy, and national development.
The observance began with the placing of floral wreaths at his grave beside the Naval Headquarters in the capital, followed by Holy Quran Khatam, Quran Khawani, and special prayers. The Bangladesh Navy paid tribute to its former chief by placing a wreath at his mausoleum in the morning. Food was distributed among underprivileged people, and special doa mahfils were held after Zuhr prayers at Bangladesh Navy mosques across the country, seeking eternal peace for his departed soul.
Quran Khatam, Quran Khawani, and doa mahfils were also arranged at Mahbub Bhaban. Begum Mahbub Ali Khan requested all admirers and well-wishers to pray for the eternal peace of the departed soul. Special programmes were organised by 'Surovi', a charitable organisation for underprivileged children and adolescents founded by Begum Mahbub Ali Khan in 1979. The organisation held a doa mahfil and special prayers in remembrance of the late naval chief.
Quran Khatam, Quran Khawani, and doa mahfils were held at different madrasahs, orphanages, and mosques in Dhaka, while similar programmes were arranged in Sylhet, Bogura, and Jamalpur. In Sylhet, the family organised doa mahfils, remembrance meetings, Khatm-e-Qur'an, and food distribution at their ancestral residence, family mosque, and local madrasahs. Special prayers and food distribution were also held at the shrines of Hazrat Shah Jalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA).
Programmes marking the anniversary were also arranged in Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Malaysia, China, South Korea, Singapore, and the Maldives, where expatriate Bangladeshis and well-wishers offered special prayers for the late Rear Admiral. According to the organisers, discussions highlighting his life, professional achievements, and contributions to nation-building were held in several countries.
The family announced plans to establish the Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan Memorial Trust to promote cardiovascular research, scientific innovation, and social service. Additionally, an Institute of Preventive Cardiology and Research will be established in his birthplace, Sylhet, to provide awareness and treatment services, particularly for underprivileged patients.
