Thousands of mourners gathered at Kauria Bazaar in the Guabaria Union of Hizla Upazila to pay their final respects to Sultan Mahmud Tipu Sikdar, the former Upazila Parishad Chairman and veteran political figure, whose funeral prayers and burial were completed on Wednesday morning, 26 August.
The seasoned politician passed away following a cardiac arrest at a private hospital in Dhaka at 9:00 am on 25 August. His janaza took place at 11:00 am the following day, after which he was laid to rest at his family graveyard in the presence of relatives, political colleagues, and thousands of well-wishers who traveled from across the district to bid him farewell.
Sultan Mahmud Tipu Sikdar was a prominent figure in the regional political landscape of Barishal district. Serving as the President of the Hizla Upazila Awami League, he was elected twice as the Chairman of the Hizla Upazila Parishad. His death has cast a deep pall of gloom across the region, with emotional scenes unfolding at the funeral grounds as grief-stricken supporters gathered to catch a final glimpse of their leader.
His political career began at an early age when, at just 34 years old, he was elected General Secretary of the Hizla Thana Awami League during the 1989 party council, establishing himself as an influential grassroots leader. He subsequently assumed the presidency of the Hizla Upazila Awami League during the 2013 council, a post he held dedicatedly until his death.
In electoral politics, Sikdar secured his first term as Hizla Upazila Parishad Chairman in 2009. Demonstrating strong public support and administrative capability, he won a second term as Upazila Chairman in 2015. Known for his accessible, friendly, and smiling demeanor, he earned widespread respect across partisan lines throughout his public service.
Sikdar hailed from an influential political family with deep roots in local governance. His late father, Hasan Mahmud Sikdar, served multiple terms as the elected Chairman of Guabaria Union Parishad. Continuing the family tradition of public service, his younger brother, former Chhatra League leader Altaf Mahmud Dipu, was elected as the Hizla Upazila Chairman in the most recent local government elections.
At the time of his passing, Sultan Mahmud Tipu Sikdar left behind his elderly mother, his wife, two daughters, a son, two brothers, and a broad network of relatives and admirers. Local leaders remarked that his demise marks the end of an era, leaving a profound void in the political leadership and community life of Hizla .
