Former State Minister Nazrul Islam Chowdhury Passes Away Aged 78

Mohammed Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, a veteran freedom fighter, former member of parliament, and former state minister for labour and employment, has passed away at the age of 78. He breathed his last at 4:15 am on Monday, 13 July, whilst undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.

He is survived by his son and two daughters.

Speaking to Asia Post, his son, Nafiz Chowdhury, shared that his father had been battling cancer and various age-related health complications for a prolonged period. His condition had deteriorated significantly a few days ago, prompting doctors to place him on life support. Although he briefly showed signs of stabilisation and improvement, his health took a sudden, critical turn early Monday morning.

According to the family, the first funeral prayer (Janazah) will take place at 10:00 pm on Monday outside his residence at Beverly Hill Society on O.R. Nizam Road in Chattogram city. The second Janazah is scheduled for Tuesday at 11:00 am at the Kanchanabad High School grounds in his constituency of Chandanaish. Following the prayers, he will be buried with full state honours in his family graveyard.

Chowdhury’s political journey began during his student days, marked by a lifelong commitment to public service. As a courageous freedom fighter, he actively participated in the frontline battles of the 1971 Liberation War. Over his extensive political career, he served as the president of the Chandanaish Upazila Awami League, cementing his influence in grassroots politics.

He represented the Chattogram-14 constituency (comprising Chandanaish and a portion of Satkania) in the national parliament. Running on the Awami League ticket, he achieved a hat-trick of electoral victories, winning consecutive terms in the general elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024.

Following his victory in the 12th parliamentary election in early 2024, Chowdhury was appointed State Minister for the Ministry of Labour and Employment. However, his tenure was cut short later that year. In August 2024, a mass uprising led to the dissolution of parliament, bringing an abrupt end to both his ministerial role and his tenure as a lawmaker. His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in the political landscape of Chattogram.