Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) vice-chairman, former minister and valiant freedom fighter Abdullah Al Noman passed away here today at the age of 79.
"Noman suddenly fell ill at his Dhanmondi residence early this morning as he was immediately rushed to Square Hospital, where the on duty doctor declared him dead around 6 am," BNP Chairperson's Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan said.
He is survived by wife, a son, a daughter, grandsons and granddaughters, a host of relatives, friends, admirers and political fellows.
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir have expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of Noman.
Shairul said the party would make decisions on his namaz-e-janaza and burial.
Hearing the news of the death of the veteran leader, Mirza Fakhrul and other senior leaders of BNP rushed to his residence at Dhanmondi.
The news of Noman's demise has loomed over a shadow of sorrow over the political arena, BNP and in Chattogram as well as across the country. Tributes and condolences are being shared widely on social media, with people from all walks of life offering prayers for his departed soul.
Noman was scheduled to be the main speaker at the BNP rally in Chattogram North District today, which has been postponed due to his death.
The seasoned politician was born on May 31, 1945, at the village of Gohira in Raouzan Upazila of Chattogram district. His father was Ahmed Kabir Chowdhury.
Noman served as the Fisheries and Livestock Minister after winning 1991 election from the Chattogram's Kotwali constituency, and later as the Food Minister after his victory in the 2001 elections.
He began his political journey in the early 1960s as a member of the Chhatra Union, while protesting against the Hamidur Rahman Education Commission. He served as General Secretary of Chattogram City Chhatra Union, President of Greater Chattogram, and Central Organizing Secretary.
After his student life, he became involved in labor politics under Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani and served as Vice-President of the East Bengal Labor Federation. He later became active in the pro-Bhasani NAP, eventually taking responsibility as its Central Organizing Secretary in 1970. He joined the Liberation War in 1971, and after independence, he continued his involvement in NAP politics.
In 1981, Noman joined the BNP, founded by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. He was a prominent leader in the party and a significant figure in Chattogram's political sphere. He played a key role in strengthening BNP's organizational base and had a long and distinguished political career.
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