Former State Minister Nazrul Islam Chowdhury Passes Away Aged 78

The former State Minister for Labour and Employment and valiant freedom fighter, Mohammad Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, has passed away. He was 78. The veteran politician breathed his last at 4:15 am on Monday, 13 July, while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.

According to his son, Nafiz Chowdhury, the former member of parliament had been battling cancer alongside various age-related health complications for a prolonged period. He had been admitted to the capital’s specialised facility weeks ago. His condition deteriorated severely just days prior, prompting doctors to place him on life support. Although he briefly showed signs of stabilisation and recovery, his health took a sudden, critical turn in the early hours of Monday morning, leading to his demise. He leaves behind his wife, a son, and two daughters.

The family has finalised arrangements to honour the late leader. His first funeral prayer, or Janazah, will take place at 10:00 pm on Monday in front of his residence at the Beverly Hill Society on OR Nizam Road in Chittagong city. On Tuesday, his body will be taken to his constituency in Chandanaish, where a second Janazah will be held at 11:00 am on the grounds of Kanchanabad High School. Following the prayers, he will be laid to rest with full state honours in his family graveyard.

Chowdhury dedicated his life to public service, starting his political journey during his student days. As a young activist, he chose to defend his country, participating actively on the frontlines of the 1971 Liberation War. This dedication to his nation shaped his subsequent political career. He went on to anchor grassroots politics in his home region, serving as the president of the Chandanaish Upazila Awami League for many years.

His commitment to his constituency, Chittagong-14 (comprising Chandanaish and parts of Satkania), resulted in significant electoral success. Representing the Awami League, he secured three consecutive parliamentary terms, winning seats in the general elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024.

Following his victory in the 12th national parliamentary election in early 2024, Chowdhury was appointed to the cabinet as the State Minister for Labour and Employment. His tenure was cut short later that year when a massive student-led mass uprising led to the dissolution of parliament in August. This political shift brought an abrupt end to his ministerial duties and parliamentary position. Local leaders across the political spectrum have expressed deep condolences over the loss of a veteran leader who defined the politics of Chandanaish for decades.