“Nur rises from the riverbank to Parliament.”

Nurul Haque (Nur), hailing from a modest family in Charbishash, a remote riverine union in Galachipa Upazila, Patuakhali, has emerged as a Member of Parliament. He was elected from the Patuakhali-3 constituency (Galachipa-Dashmina) in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections. At just 34, Nurul Haque has overcome numerous obstacles, including attacks and legal cases, to secure his victory.

Early Life and Education

Nur was born into a middle-class family. His father, Idris Haoladar, is a former member of the Charbishash Union Parishad. Nur’s mother, Nilufa Begum, passed away when he was only two and a half years old. He is the fourth of eight siblings—three brothers and five sisters.

Nur received his early education at Charbishash Janata Secondary School up to class seven before moving to Gazi Pur. He enrolled in class eight at Golam Nabi Secondary School in Kaliakair Upazila. He passed his SSC in 2010 and HSC from Uttara High School and College in 2012. After a year at Patuakhali Science and Technology University, he joined the University of Dhaka in the 2013–14 academic year, studying English. During his university years, he was briefly involved in Chhatra League politics.

Student Politics and National Recognition

In 2019, Nurul Haque was elected Vice President of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU), gaining nationwide recognition. His leadership in student movements, especially the 2018 quota reform campaign under the banner of the Students’ Rights Protection Council, established him as a prominent activist. That same year, alongside economist Reza Kibria, he announced the formation of the Bangladesh National Rights Council, which was formally inaugurated in Dhaka on 26 October 2021. On 10 July 2023, he was elected president of a faction of the party.

Nur also led a 22 December 2019 rally at the foot of the Raju Sculpture, protesting India’s Citizenship Amendment Act and Bangladesh’s National Register of Citizens (NRC). Clashes with activists of the Mukti Joddha Mancha resulted in injuries to Nur and his colleagues, and some were arrested.

Attacks, Legal Battles, and Resilience

Nurul Haque’s political journey has been marked by repeated attacks and harassment. Between 2018 and 2025, he was reportedly attacked at least 28 times, including incidents on 14 August 2019, during DUCSU elections, and on 29 August 2025 during a sit-in at the Jatiya Party central office, when he required medical treatment abroad. By the time of the 13th parliamentary elections, he faced 15 formal cases. Despite these challenges, Nur remained steadfast in his political ambitions.

Personal Life

Nurul Haque is married to Maria Akter, a secondary school teacher. They have two daughters and a son. Despite personal tragedies—including the loss of two sisters in the 1980s and his mother’s death—Nur pursued his education and political aspirations. His father reflects that while he once hoped Nur would become a doctor, he never imagined his son would rise to become a Member of Parliament amid such adversity.

Nurul Haque’s story exemplifies the journey of a determined young leader from a remote riverine community to the halls of the national legislature, demonstrating resilience, courage, and the pursuit of public service against formidable odds.