On the first anniversary of his passing, we mourn the loss of late Ebadur Rahman Chowdhury, a man whose luminous spirit continues to illuminate our lives. Mr. Ebadur Rahman Chowdhury departed from this world on the 6th of September, 2023, succumbing to complications of old age. As the Quran beautifully reminds us, "Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Allah we shall return." He was in his late seventies at the time of his passing, having lived a life rich with purpose and service.

He was the son of the late Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury, popularly known as ‘Konu Mia,’ a benevolent social worker widely respected in the community. Born into a family deeply embedded in the fabric of their community, Mr. Ebadur Rahman Chowdhury was not only a beloved first cousin to both of my parents but also a cherished member of our extended family. His warmth and generosity extended far beyond familial ties, touching the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

In his locality, there is likely consensus that Mr. Ebadur Rahman Chowdhury’s life and career were driven by a profound desire to contribute to the nation’s progress and well-being. He served diligently as a State Minister in the Government of Bangladesh and was a respected Member of Parliament for several terms until 2008. In my experience, he was a person of immense love and respect, both within his community and among his family members. It is therefore fitting to honor the memory of this man of integrity, passion, and kindness through this humble tribute.

The death of Mr. Ebadur Rahman Chowdhury marks the end of an era in the political landscape of the Moulvi Bazar district. His political journey was one of service, commitment, and unwavering dedication to the welfare of his constituents. He played a vital role in the mass movement of 1969, participated in our glorious War of Liberation in 1971, and was elected for several terms as a Member of Parliament for the Moulvi Bazar 1 constituency. His accomplishments like his representation of Bangladesh at the United Nations in 1984 and his inclusion as a State Minister of Bangladesh in 2001 will long be remembered and celebrated.

However, his legacy extends far beyond such political achievements. He was an accomplished writer and poet, but above all, a man of integrity. His honesty was a shining beacon in a world often tainted by corruption. Tall and handsome, he possessed a charismatic presence that naturally drew people toward him. Yet, it was his warm smile and genuine concern for others that truly left an indelible mark. His benevolent guardianship extended not only to his constituents but to our entire family. In him, we found a mentor, a confidant, and a loving presence that offered solace in times of turmoil.

Mr. Ebadur Rahman Chowdhury's unwavering commitment to education led him to establish and patronize many educational and vocational institutions. He understood that education was the key to progress and tirelessly worked to uplift the educational standards in his constituency. Thus, he leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication to the betterment of our society.

Despite the demands of his career, he remained steadfast in his commitment to his family, always available to provide whatever support we needed. He was a pillar of strength and support for our family, and we affectionately referred to him as "Maya Mama," a nickname that captured his nurturing presence. He was a guardian whose affection knew no bounds, always keenly aware of our activities and never missing a chance to encourage and inspire us in all our positive endeavors.

My memories of him are filled with moments of warmth and motivation. An evening from my childhood stands out vividly in my mind. It was after I had won a Talent Pool Scholarship in my fifth grade. He visited our home that evening, with his face alight with pride as he approached me to offer his congratulations. He presented me with a beautiful new book, Manob Jibon by Dr. Lutfur Rahman, and asked, “What else would you like as a gift from Mama? Remember, you must continue to excel in your studies and all your good activities.” Before I could even voice another wish, he handed me money to buy a new dress of my choice. The joy and pride I felt from his gift and his inspiring words are indescribable. His knack for making us feel cherished and motivated was a steadfast presence in all his interactions with us.

His kindness extended beyond our immediate circle; every family member and each of his nephews, like me, can recount unique stories that highlight his deep care and compassion. It was evident that our Mama harbored genuine goodwill not only towards his family but towards everyone around him. His humble and loving nature made him a beloved figure, and his absence will be profoundly felt by all who had the fortune to know him.

As we move forward, let us take comfort in the wealth of memories we have of him and the abundant love he so freely gave. These treasures will continue to provide solace and inspiration in the days and years to come, as we hold dear the legacy of Mr. Ebadur Rahman Chowdhury.

(Mr. Takad Ahmed Chowdhury is a former Head and Associate Professor of the Department of English, University of Asia Pacific.)