Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) vice-chairman, former minister, and freedom fighter Abdullah Al Noman has passed away at the age of 79. Noman fell ill at his Dhanmondi residence and was rushed to Square Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at around 6 am, as confirmed by Shairul Kabir Khan, a member of the BNP Chairperson’s Media Cell.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Noman is survived by his wife, son, daughter, and several grandchildren, along with numerous relatives, friends, admirers, and political colleagues. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir have expressed deep sorrow over Noman’s death. The BNP will soon decide on the arrangements for his namaz-e-janaza and burial, as shared by Shairul.
Upon hearing the news, Mirza Fakhrul and other senior BNP leaders rushed to Noman’s residence in Dhanmondi. His passing has cast a shadow over the political community, especially within the BNP and in Chattogram. Tributes and condolences have poured in on social media, with many offering prayers for his soul.
Noman, who was scheduled to speak at a BNP rally in Chattogram North District, had his plans cut short due to his sudden demise. Born on May 31, 1945, in the village of Gohira, Raouzan Upazila, Chattogram, Noman was the son of Ahmed Kabir Chowdhury.
Throughout his political career, Noman served as Fisheries and Livestock Minister and later as Food Minister after winning elections in 1991 and 2001, respectively. His political journey began in the early 1960s with the Chhatra Union, and he played a significant role in labor politics under Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani. He joined the Liberation War in 1971 and later became active in NAP politics.
In 1981, Noman joined BNP, founded by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, and became a prominent leader in Chattogram’s political sphere. His contributions to BNP’s organizational strength have left a lasting legacy in the political landscape of Bangladesh.