বাংলা 
English 
In the spread of Muslim dominance over this subcontinent, the combined influence of politics and religion can be observed. Kings and soldiers conquered the land. But it was the mystic sages who won the hearts of the people of this country.
Like other regions of India, numerous mystic sages came to Bangladesh as well. This has been mentioned earlier. Indeed, historical sources tell us that the shrines of the Sufis rose on the soil of this land even before the arrival of the victorious dignitaries.
Drawn by the generous creed of the Sufis, it was first the lower classes of the native people who embraced Islam. Later, Muslims of the higher classes from abroad also settled in various places of the country.
The arrival of the Afghans in Bengal at the same time as the Arabs, Turks, Mughals, Iranians and other peoples is an event of special importance in the history of Bangladesh. The Afghans are hereditary inhabitants of Afghanistan and are known as "Pathans". In truth it was the Pathans who were that country's principal population and ruling class.
It may be noted that many of the respectable Muslims who received zamindari in different parts of Bengal during the Mughal era by virtue of grants issued by the Emperor of Delhi were Pathans. The poet Panju Shah was born in one such Pathan family. His poetry contains some remarks in support of this fact. A verse may be quoted from it. The poet says -
"I know myself to be born of the Pathan clan".
Brief as it is, the poet's statement here is clear. The poet's sons Khondkar Rafiuddin and Khondkar Raichuddin agree with this information. There is therefore no doubt that Panju Shah was a child of the Pathan clan.
More information on Panju Shah:
- The Life Story of Panju Shah
- Modernism in Panju's Writings
- Panju Shah's Contributions
- Panju Shah - The Development of Spiritual Thought
- A Brief History of Panju Shah's Ancestors
