Tawfique Nawaz, Lawyer and Husband of Dipu Moni, Passes Away

Tawfique Nawaz, a prominent Supreme Court advocate and husband of former Awami League minister Dipu Moni, has died at the age of 76. He passed away at approximately 10:27 pm on Tuesday at Continental Hospital (formerly United Hospital) in Dhaka, where he had been receiving ongoing medical treatment for chronic health issues.

His brother-in-law, J R Wadud Tipu, confirmed his passing, stating that Mr Nawaz had been in hospital care for an extended period prior to his death. Family members indicated that final decisions regarding his funeral prayers (janazah) and burial will be finalised after Wednesday afternoon once necessary arrangements and legal procedures are addressed.

Mr Nawaz had been coping with severe health complications for several years. In 2019, he suffered a major stroke, which left him with long-term physical impairments and significantly limited his mobility. In addition to stroke recovery, he suffered from complex renal and liver conditions. According to Apel Khokshi, a personal caregiver assisting with his medical treatment, his condition deteriorated rapidly on Monday, prompting an urgent transfer to the hospital, where he subsequently succumbed to his illnesses.

Despite his deteriorating health, Mr Nawaz made a rare public appearance on 26 April, when family members brought him in a wheelchair to the International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka to briefly meet his wife, Dipu Moni. The meeting highlighted his fragile state, which his family later cited in legal appeals for his wife’s temporary release.

On 27 May, their daughter, Tani Deepabali Nawaz, submitted an application to the Munshiganj District Commissioner requesting a seven-day parole for Dipu Moni to care for her ailing husband. However, that application was not approved by authorities. Following his death, defence counsel Gazi Faisal Islam confirmed that the legal team would submit a fresh application for parole on Wednesday morning to the Munshiganj District Commissioner, seeking her release to attend her husband’s final rites.

A distinguished legal professional, Tawfique Nawaz practised at the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, earning respect among his peers for his legal expertise. Beyond his legal career, he was an accomplished enthusiast and practitioner of classical music, maintaining a deep passion for the arts alongside his professional obligations. He is survived by his wife and family.