Dhaka: The namaz-e-janaza of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) vice chairman, former minister, and freedom fighter Abdullah Al Noman will be held in front of the BNP central office in Nayapaltan after Asr prayer today. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rivzi confirmed the news and urged people from all walks of life, including leaders and workers of BNP and its affiliated organizations, to participate in the namaz-e-janaza.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Noman passed away today at the age of 79. He fell ill at his Dhanmondi residence early this morning and was rushed to Square Hospital, where he was declared dead around 6 am, as stated by BNP Chairperson’s Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan. Noman is survived by his wife, a son, a daughter, grandsons, granddaughters, relatives, friends, admirers, and political fellows.
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir have expressed shock and sorrow at Noman’s death. Upon hearing the news, Mirza Fakhrul and other senior BNP leaders went to his residence in Dhanmondi. Noman’s passing has cast a shadow of sorrow over the political arena, the BNP, Chattogram, and the country. Tributes and condolences are being shared on social media, with many offering prayers for his soul.
Noman was to be the main speaker at a BNP rally in Chattogram North District today, which has been postponed due to his death. The politician was born on May 31, 1945, in Gohira, Raouzan Upazila, Chattogram district. His father was Ahmed Kabir Chowdhury.
Noman served as the Fisheries and Livestock Minister after winning the 1991 election from Chattogram’s Kotwali constituency and later as the Food Minister after his 2001 election victory. He began his political journey in the early 1960s as a member of the Chhatra Union, protesting against the Hamidur Rahman Education Commission. He held various leadership positions in the Chhatra Union and later became involved in labor politics under Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani.
He joined the pro-Bhasani NAP, becoming its Central Organizing Secretary in 1970, and participated in the Liberation War in 1971. After independence, he continued his involvement in NAP politics. In 1981, Noman joined the BNP, founded by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, and became a significant figure in Chattogram’s political landscape, strengthening the BNP’s organizational base throughout his career.