Dhaka, May 3 -- Bangla Academy President Abul Quasem Fazlul Huq has remarked that no leader of true stature has emerged in Bangladesh since independence.

Highlighting a crisis of political leadership, he said: "In 54 years, no one has stepped up to lead. Once there were Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq, Maulana (Abdul Hamid Khan) Bhashani, (Bangabandhu) Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. But no leader has emerged after them."

Huq, a scholar and essayist, made the remarks on Friday at the "Dhaka University Research Excellence Recognition" event at the university's Nawab Ali Senate Auditorium.

"Bangladesh faces problems on every front," he said. "In 54 years, it has yet to be built as a functioning state, and currently, it's not in a position to rise." ...