February 09

Born in Somerset in 1495, John Hooper studied at Cambridge and became an early advocate for Protestant reform. Appointed Bishop of Gloucester in 1551, he worked closely with Archbishop Thomas Cranmer to shape the English Church. A vocal opponent of Catholic practices, he denounced clerical vestments and rituals. With the accession of Queen Mary I, he was arrested and tried for heresy. On February 9 1555, he was burned at the stake in Gloucester, sealing his legacy as a leading English Reformation martyr.

Born in Hadleigh in 1510, Rowland Taylor served as Archdeacon of Bocking and championed reformed doctrines. He preached against idolatry and supported the translation of the Bible into English. After the return of Catholicism under Mary I, he was arrested for heresy and imprisoned in London. On February 9 1555, he was burned at the stake in Maldon, Essex. Taylor's courage under persecution inspired later Protestant writers and preachers.

Born in 1874 in British India, Khan Bahadur Ahsanullah emerged as a leading figure in Islamic theology and education. He founded and led institutions that integrated religious instruction with modern subjects, promoting a balanced curriculum. Ahsanullah served on regional educational councils and advised on policy for Muslim communities. His writings on theology and pedagogy influenced educational reform throughout Bengal. He was honored by the British colonial administration with the title 'Khan Bahadur' for his public service. He died on February 9, 1965, leaving a lasting impact on educational advancement in Bangladesh.