Comrade Moni Singh
Leader of the Tanka movement and the Communist Party of Bangladesh (1901–1990)
About Moni Singh
Comrade Moni Singh was born in Kolkata on 28 July 1901 and grew up at Susang Durgapur in the then Mymensingh district (now Netrokona). As a schoolboy he joined the anti-British revolutionary group Anushilan Samiti; later he embraced Marxism and devoted himself to the workers’ and peasants’ movements.
The movement he led against the Tanka system imposed on Hajong and Garo peasants is a shining chapter in the history of Bengal’s peasant struggles. After long years underground and in prison during the Pakistan period, he joined the Liberation War in 1971; in independent Bangladesh he led the Communist Party as its President and stood with the people until his death.
- Born
- 28 July 1901, Kolkata
- Home
- Susang Durgapur, Netrokona
- Died
- 31 December 1990
- Known for
- Tanka movement, Communist Party leadership, 1971 Liberation War
- Party post
- President, Communist Party of Bangladesh (1973–1990)
- Spouse
- Comrade Anima Singh
- Honour
- Independence Award 2004 (posthumous)
- Autobiography
- Jiban Sangram (Life is a Struggle)
Stages of his life
1901–1927
Childhood and revolution
Born in Kolkata, grew up in Susang Durgapur. Joined Anushilan Samiti in 1914; turned to Marxism under the influence of the Russian Revolution.
1928–1946
Workers and peasants
Led a 13-day strike at Kesoram Cotton Mills in 1928. After prison and internment, led the Tanka movement from 1937.
1947–1971
Underground and 1971
Long years underground and in prison in the Pakistan period. Freed from Rajshahi jail on 7 April 1971, he joined the Liberation War.
1972–1990
In independent Bangladesh
Elected President of the Communist Party in 1973. Died on 31 December 1990; Independence Award (posthumous) in 2004.
Read and explore
BiographyHis life from birth to deathThe Tanka MovementThe historic struggle of Hajong and Garo peasantsLegacy & MemorialsIndependence Award, Moni Mela and remembranceSourcesWhere the information on this site comes fromPhotos & VideosPhotographs, posters and videosPublicationsBooks including his autobiography “Jiban Sangram”News & EventsMemorial meetings, the fair and other eventsContactGet in touch with us
28 JulyBirth anniversary
31 DecemberDeath anniversary and start of Moni Mela, Susang Durgapur
2004Independence Award (posthumous)