Professor AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury, former President of Bangladesh, passed away in the early hours today while undergoing treatment at Uttara Women Medical College Hospital, Dhaka. He was 94 years old.
According to his press secretary, Jahangir Alam, Chowdhury breathed his last at 3:15 AM. He had been admitted to the hospital on October 2 due to a lung infection, and his daughter, Dr. Shayla Chowdhury, had earlier mentioned that her father had also suffered from ischemic heart disease.
Chowdhury is survived by his wife, Hasina Wardah Chowdhury, their son Mahi B. Chowdhury, two daughters, Moona Chowdhury and Dr. Shayla Chowdhury, as well as grandchildren and numerous relatives and well-wishers.
Born on October 11, 1930, in Cumilla, Chowdhury was a prominent physician, a distinguished professor, and a respected political leader. He completed his education with outstanding results, matriculating from St. Gregory’s School in Dhaka in 1947 and earning his MBBS degree from Dhaka Medical College in 1955. A fellow of the Royal Colleges of Physicians in London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, Chowdhury was also honored with the Independence Award for his contributions.
Chowdhury entered politics in 1978 at the invitation of former President Ziaur Rahman and was a founding member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Over his political career, he held various key positions, including Education Minister, Deputy Leader of the Parliament, and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He was elected as the President of Bangladesh in 2001, serving until his resignation in 2002. In 2004, he founded Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh and served as its president until his death.
Chowdhury’s funeral prayers will be held in three stages. The first namaz-e-janaza will take place today at 8:00 AM at Uttara Women Medical College and Hospital. The second will be held after Johr prayers at Baitul Atique Jama Mosque in Dhaka’s Baridhara diplomatic zone. The final janaza will be held tomorrow at 10:00 AM at Srinagar Stadium, followed by his burial at his family graveyard in Majidpur, Dayahata, Munshiganj.
