A people's mayor
ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury -- war veteran, politician and three-time mayor of Chittagong city -- was buried at his family graveyard at Chashma Hill in the city yesterday.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed their profound condolence at the demise of the veteran politician.
Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith and Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid, among others, expressed their condolences.
Chittagong city Awami League has cancelled their Victory Day procession scheduled for today (December 16).
Earlier, people from all walks of life as well as leaders from all political parties thronged the city's Chashma Hill residence of Mohiuddin to pay their last respect to Chittagong's iconic leader.
Mohiuddin became the first democratically elected mayor in the history of Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) in 1994.
He was re-elected mayor in 2000 CCC election. In 2005, he won a landslide victory by defeating his opponent, Mir Mohammad Nasiruddin of BNP, by 91,000 votes.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister and also Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader flew in to the port city from Dhaka after hearing the news of the demise of Mohiuddin, also the president of Awami League's Chittagong city unit.
Speaking with reporters at Mohiuddin residence, Obaidul said Mohiuddin became an indivisible leader of the people of Chittagong. “Mohiuddin for Chittagong and Chittagong for Mohiuddin -- this is the situation.”
“The prime minster wanted him to be the party's presidium member and also wanted him to be a minister. But Mohiuddin did not take any [of the positions] as he didn't want to go anywhere leaving Chittagong,” he said, adding, “He has left making Chittagong cry.”
CCC Mayor and also Chittagong city AL General Secretary AJM Nasir Uddin said the city has lost a true leader. “All throughout his life his politics was in the interest of the people.”
Recalling the illustrious political career of Mohiuddin, BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said, “He protested many controversial decisions of the government… [and he] stood against financial mischief in politics... He maintained good political relationships with his political opponents...”
Shahadat Hossain, Chittagong city unit president of BNP, told The Daily Star that the loss due to the demise of a leader such as Mohiuddin is irreparable. “Mohiuddin Chowdhury was not only a veteran leader of Chittagong, but also one of the genuine politicians of the country.”
“He became a revered personality among leaders and activists of all political parties. The people of Chittagong will never forget Mohiuddin's passion and dedication for the city and its development,” he also said.
Jatiya Party presidium member and Water Resources Minister Anisul Islam Mahmud rushed to Laldighi Maidan to pay tributes to Mohiuddin.
The city lost a guardian with his demise, he told The Daily Star. Mohiuddin did not compromise with anyone on the issue of development of Chittagong city. “The gathering of thousands for his namaz-e-janaza here proves how popular he was.”
Former BNP-backed CCC mayor M Manjur Alam said Mohiuddin was port city's leader of the common people and he devoted his life for their rights. Over his 17 years tenure as a mayor, Mohiuddin did a lot to spread education and develop the health sector in the city.
Bangladesh Hindu Buddha Christian Oikya Parishad General Secretary Rana Das Gupta said Mohiuddin was a dazzling star in the political arena of Chittagong.
City AL Vice President Khorshed Alam Sujan said Mohiuddin was regarded as “Chattal Bir” by the people in the city for his leading role during political movements in crisis situations of the country.
Among others, Sector Commanders Forum, Liberation War '71, Gonoforum, Bangladesh Muslim League, Chittagong District Administration, Chittagong City Corporation, Chittagong Metropolitan Police, Chittagong University, Chittagong University Shikkhok Samity, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chittagong Mohanagar Muktijoddha Sangsad, Udichi Shilpi Goshthi, Communist Party of Bangladesh, Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chittagong Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Shadhinata Shikkhok Parishad, Mohanagar Chhatra League, Bangabandhu Shikhya O Gabeshona Parishad, Chittagong Hawkers Malik Samity, Chittagong Hawkers Malik League and Jatiyatabadi Chhatradal expressed condolences at the death of the former mayor.