BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir have expressed deep sorrow and grief over the passing of the country’s prominent thinker and left-wing political activist Badruddin Umar, who died this morning on his way to the Specialized Hospital in Shyamoli while ill.
In a condolence statement today, the BNP acting chairman said, “The Bangladesh Nationalist Party and I are deeply saddened by the demise of the pioneer of left-progressive politics, writer, teacher, intellectual, and politician Badruddin Umar.
The departure of this free-thinking, fearless intellectual at this moment has created disappointment in the public mind. The late Badruddin Umar could deeply feel the honour and profound pain of the people and give it form in the language of protest.
From the Language Movement of ’52 to the independence of the motherland and the struggle against all autocrats, the late Badruddin Umar’s thoughts, writings, and active role were unforgettable. His research-based books on phases of political, social, cultural, and economic change during the nation’s various critical times are highly valued by readers as invaluable assets.
Despite repeatedly facing state wrath, the late Badruddin Umar remained uncompromisingly steadfast in realising his ideals. No fear or threat could deter him from his duties. He never hesitated to express his independent opinions, disregarding autocracy. He was a symbol of independent conscience in this country.”
In the condolence message, the BNP acting chairman went on to pray for the forgiveness of the departed soul of Badruddin Umar and expressed deep sympathy to the grieving family, admirers, and well-wishers.
The BNP secretary general said, “I am deeply saddened by the death of writer, researcher, left-wing intellectual, and teacher Badruddin Umar. His writings were an inspiration for the struggle of farmers, working people, and liberation from exploitation.
Throughout the course of history, he authored numerous important books on various events of rise and fall. The late Badruddin Umar, who was associated with left-progressive politics throughout his life, lived a simple, unadorned life while remaining steadfast in his ideals.
He never remained a silent spectator to the threats of autocrats; rather, through his words and writings, he struck the roots of injustice and autocracy with immense force. Until his last breath, he engaged in politics and wielded his pen for the interests of the people.
He was a burning protest against the corruption of politics. In the current political and social context, the survival of a fearless, free-thinking intellectual like him was very necessary.
“I pray for the forgiveness of his soul and extend deep condolences to the grieving family, admirers, and well-wishers.”
The National Citizen Party (NCP) released a statement in which it expressed deep sorrow over the death of “eminent politician, intellectual, and social thinker” Badruddin Umar.
It added, “The late Abul Hashim was a legendary figure in the historical liberation struggle of the people of this land. In contrast to the mainstream intellectuals and civil society who produced and supported the narrative of fascism during the rule of the murderer Hasina, Badruddin Umar was a thinker and political force on the side of the masses.
“Even before the dummy election of January 2024, he had called for ousting the Awami League in a press conference. At the time of the July uprising, he identified this mass movement as a ‘mass uprising’ and acknowledged its scale compared to previous uprisings. Additionally, as early as 1972, he referred to the Mujibist constitution of ’72 as a ‘constitution of perpetual emergency.’”
It went on to mention, “As a researcher and writer, he presented objective and impartial history in his writings. He was always vocal against the Mujibist interpretation of the history of the liberation struggle of the people of Bangladesh. In the new Bangladesh, he will be considered an important source for seeking and re-reading the true, people’s history of the liberation war of ’71.”
“With his death, we face an irreparable loss. The National Citizen Party (NCP) expresses deep condolences to his grieving family and comrades,” it concluded.
