The 23rd death anniversary of former Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Humayun Rashid Chowdhury is being observed today as the former speaker died on July 10,2001.
Different political and social organisations including Speaker Humayun Rashid Chowdhury Srimiti Parishad have taken various daylong programmes at Dhaka and Sylhet to mark the day, reports BSS.
The programme includes placing floral wreaths at the graveyard of the deceased in Sylhet, recitation of Fateha and holy Quran, discussion, duah mahfil and food distribution among the distressed people, said Srimiti Parishad Central President and former principal secretary M Nazibur Rahman.
Born at Rashid Manzil in Sylhet city on November 11 in 1928, Speaker Humayun Rashid Chowdhury joined in Pakistan foreign services in1953. His father Abdur Rashid Chowdhury was a member of the central legislative assembly of the undivided India and his mother Sirajunnesa Chowdhury also was a member of Pakistan national assembly.
Humayun Rashid also was ruling Awami League lawmaker of Sylhet-1 was the chief of Bangladesh Mission in Delhi in 1971-72.
After beginning the 71’s liberation war, he left the side of Pakistan and tried to make communication with 40 different foreign countries in view to achieve recognition on behalf of the Mass war in Bangladesh and ultimately, he was able to gain recognition from 34 foreign nations across the world.
Even he also gave speech at the Indian parliament session as the chief of Bangladesh Mission in New Delhi at that time.
He was the only Bangladeshi who chaired the 41st general assembly of the United Nations.
Speaker Humayun Rashid was the first ambassador of Bangladesh in Germany. He was also the ambassador of Switzerland, Austria and Vatican.
After the assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family members on August 15 in 1975, he gave shelter and took necessary initiatives to save the life of incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana who were luckily escaped from the gruesome murder on August 15, at his own house in Germany.
He was awarded with the prestigious “Swadinata Award” (Posthumous) in 2018 for his outstanding contribution to the Liberation War.
He was elected as a member of the National Parliament in 1996 from the Awami League and later he was elected as speaker of the Parliament.
President, PM pay respect to ex-speaker Humayun on 23rd death anniv
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have conveyed their heartfelt respect to the Bangladeshi career diplomat and former speaker of the parliament Humayun Rasheed Choudhury on his 23rd death anniversary.
On Wednesday, both the president and the prime minister issued separate messages rendering their deep respect towards him.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin in his message said, “On the 23rd death anniversary of late Former Jatiya Sangsad Speaker and noted diplomat Humayun Rasheed Choudhury, I pay my deep respect to the memory of him.”
The head of the state said Humayun had immense respect for Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
While he was the ambassador to Germany, Bangabandhu and most of his family members were martyred on 15 August, 1975, he said, adding that upon hearing the news of the brutal murder of Father of the Nation and his family, he risked his life to keep the two daughters of Bangabandhu-- Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana - safe at his residence in West Germany.
He was the first Bengali to preside over the 41st session of the United Nation (UN) General Assembly in 1986, the president said, adding that he later successfully served as the speaker of the great national assembly from 1996-2001.
Shahabuddin hoped that Humayun's contribution to the development of the country, including diplomacy, politics, education and culture, will be followed by the next generation.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her message said, “Humayun Rasheed Choudhury is a shining star in the history of our great independence.”
At the risk of his life, he responded to the call of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and made mental preparations for a diplomatic war on behalf of the Bengalis in March of 1971, the premier said.
After the 71's war broke out, he left the side of Pakistan while working at the Pakistani embassy in New Delhi, she said, adding that during the time, Humayun played a leading role in saving the lives of Bengalis working in the embassy.
She said Humayun strongly called for the independence of Bangladesh and the release of imprisoned leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman through foreign media.
After the victory of the war and under the direction of Bangabandhu, Humayun started his diplomatic activities to get the recognition of the newly independent Bangladesh, she said, adding that 34 countries recognized Bangladesh in a short time for his prudent efficiency at workplace.
After long 21 years when Awami League (AL) formed the government in 1996, Humayun was elected Member of Parliament from Sylhet-1 constituency, Sheikh Hasina said.
Then, Humayun was given the responsibility of Speaker, she said, adding that he always strived to make the National Parliament dynamic, digital and accountable.
The Premier said his contribution to modernising and reforming the traditional practices of the National Parliament will be remembered forever.
In 2018, late Humayan was posthumously awarded the “Independence Award (Swadhinata Padak)” for his outstanding contribution to the Great War of Liberation, she added.
