Shri M.A. Hannan Alhaj

ALHAJ, SHRI M. A. HANNAN B.A., Janata (West Bengal—Basirhat—1977):  s. of late Shri Haji Abdul Monnaf; b. at Calcutta, 1929; ed. at Madarsha Alia, Dacca; Islamic Intermediate College, Dacca; Calcutta Mohammadan College; m. Smt. Noor Banu Kegum, September 19, 1948; 4 s. and 2 d.; Political and social worker; previously associated with Congress, Swatantra Party and Bhartiya Lok Dal; Participated in Quit India Movement and was imprisoned a number of times; launched an agitation for the release of I.N.A. imprisoned personnel; Took part in (i) relief work organised by Mahatma Gandhi at the time of Communal Disturbances in Independence days; (ii) Peasants Movement in West Bengal under the banner of Farmers Federation of India (iii) Hindustani Movement against smugglers and (iv) Jayaprakash Narayan’s ‘Total Revolution’ Movement; General Secretary, (i) Swatantra Party, (ii) West Bengal State Committee; and (iii) Food and Relief Committee, West Bengal, 1967-68; Actively worked for the formation of Bhartiya Lok Dal in 1974; General Secretary, Bhartiya Lok Dal; Took leading part in the formation of Janata party in West Bengal and was elected as a Member of its Executive Committee; Founder and Rector of Academy of Islamic Studies; Founder Director Indo-Arab Cultural Forum; Founder Member, Academy of Fine Arts and Literature.

Favourite pastime and recreation:  Reading and participating in religious activities.

Special interests:  Public service, social and cultural activities.

Publications: Editor, Bengali Magazine ‘DAMAMA’ and ‘PRAGATI’; Associated with English Journal Society, and ‘Commerce’.

Sports and clubs:  Member, (i) Mohammadan Sporting Club, (ii) East Bengal Club, (iii) Taltala Sporting Club, (iv) Baghbazar Gymnasium, (v) Sagar Sporting Club.

Travels abroad:  Visited Saudi Arabia and part of Middle East.

Permanent address: 18, Komedan, Bagan Lane, Calcutta.