Manik Chowdhury


Manik Chowdhury was a famous Bangladeshi politician and veteran of the Bangladesh Liberation war. He received the Independence Award in 2015 for his outstanding contribution to the Bangladesh Liberation war.

Early life

Chowdhury was born on 20 December 1933 in Bahubal Upazila, Habiganj District, Assam, British India.

Career

Chowdhury played a special role in the Bangladesh Liberation war in greater Sylhet region; He fought in the war and helped organize the Mukti Bahini.
Chowdhury led the looting of Habiganj government arsenal during Bangladesh Liberation war and in early April he took direct part in the Sherpur-Sadipur battle. Chief of Staff Major General M. A. G. Osmani awarded him the title of "Commandant" despite being a civilian.
Chowdhury was elected Member of the National Assembly from Habiganj in the 1970 general election. He was also elected Member of Parliament by Awami League in 1973 and was also the Governor of Habiganj Sub-Division. He was the Agriculture Secretary of the Central Executive Parliament of the Awami League. After the assassination of President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Chowdhury was arrested for protesting and imprisoned for four years.

Death and legacy

When Chowdhury fell ill, due to lack of necessary funds for proper treatment, even as a freedom fighter, he was not allotted a seat in any ward of PG Hospital. He died on 10 January 1991.
His daughter, advocate Amatul Kibria Keya Chowdhury represented Habiganj district as a Member of Parliament.

Awards

Chowdhury was received the "Bangabandhu Krishi Padak" from Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1974 for the "Shyamal" project.
Chowdhury was Posthumously awarded the Independence Award in 2015 in recognition for his unique contribution to the Bangladesh Liberation war.