Matia Chowdhury, a firebrand politician known for her simplistic lifestyle, was laid to rest on Thursday.
Matia, one of the prominent figures in Bangladesh’s Liberation War, was buried at the Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard, beside her husband journalist Bazlur Rahman.
Earlier in the day, her namaz-e-janaza was held at Azad Mosque in Gulshan.
No senior leaders of the Awami League attended the janaza as many top party leaders had gone into hiding following the fall of Sheikh Hasina-led government amid a mass upsurge.
After the funeral prayers, members of the AL associate bodies Swechchhashebak League and Sramik League paid tribute with flowers on behalf of the party.
Other organisations such as the Liberation War Museum, Bangabandhu Krishibid family, Special Guerrilla Forces, Moni Singh-Forhad Memorial Trust, and her own family also paid their final respects. Another namaz-e-janaza was held at her residence in Ramna, where political colleagues, followers, and relatives gathered to bid their final farewell.
Reminiscing about Matia, her sister Mahmuda Chowdhury said, “She spent her entire life in sacrifice and struggle, always working for the people.”
Journalist Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury said, “With Matia Chowdhury's passing, a significant chapter of history has come to an end.”
Journalist leader Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul was also present to pay his respects.
Despite Matia's significant contributions as a freedom fighter, six-time Member of Parliament, and three-time cabinet minister, no state arrangements were made for a guard of honour at her funeral, and no government officials were present.
