Dhaka: Matia Chowdhury, who is known as "Fire Girl" in the country's politics, has been praised for living a simple life in her political life for almost six decades. There are many sad memories in her eventful political life. She has been marching on the streets with the workers in struggle. Likewise, her role in women's awakening and women's empowerment has been outstanding. However, Matia Chowdhury has created a shining example of how a person can be honest even from within the politics of power.
In pre-independence Bangladesh there were two distinct batches of politicians. The first batch, those who came from the Nawab family joined the Muslim League in the 1950s. Besides them there were many other intellectuals most of whom were first generation educated Muslim youth from rural background. Who got involved in politics through involvement in the language movement. However, many of them later became lawyers or entered other professions.
The next batch was those who emerged as student leaders in the 1960s. It was this batch that led the struggle against Pakistan's military rule and later became regulars in politics. They maintained a simple, middle-class lifestyle despite being political stalwarts. It is true that after the imposition of military rule in Pakistan in 1958, many of those who were involved in the language movement could not continue their work due to atrocities. However, this batch of sixties was very active in politics even during the liberation war. Their outstanding contribution in freedom struggle, ballad is forever remembered in the pages of history.
But after independence the situation changed completely. Power becomes a vital element in their lifestyle and this changes public perception. This idea is still ingrained in people's minds. In this lack of power, not only politicians but also businessmen, industrialists and civil or military bureaucrats became as influential as politicians.
However, Matia Chowdhury was an exception among them. She has managed to keep herself exceptional even in the center of power. She was an experienced politician. Elected Member of Parliament for a decade and a half, sworn in as Minister for two terms and appointed Deputy Leader of Jatiya Sangsad after 2024 elections.
She and her late husband, journalist Bazlur Rahman (who was the editor of a local daily) lived in a 1,400 square feet flat in Dhaka. She had no car of her own. Even as a minister, she used to walk in the market and shop. She is seen to be eternally comfortable in thick rice, thick clothes. Dressing up was never used to living a glittering life. She has spent her entire life in a saree woven with a thick border.
Matia Chowdhury loved to walk. Once Dr Zafar Iqbal and I were going to lay the foundation stone of the Shaheed Memorial School and College at Nalitabari in Sherpur, her constituency. That day she got down from her official car and walked for hours on the village streets. Matia was a rare example of a politician with a simple life and hard work. She broke the public's stereotypes about those in power or those who roam the halls of power.
Our identity spans over 60 years. I remember meeting her at Dhaka Medical College student union office during the 1962 student movement. She was leading the students of the then Eden College (now Begum Badrunnessa Government Women's College). We worked together in the East Pakistan Students Union. She later became known as 'Fire Girl' for her fiery speeches. She became very popular as a student leader at that time.
Remember, Matia was in our group after the Pakistani military started the massacre on March 25, 1971. We crossed the border crossing village after village and took part in the liberation war. At that time, our group halted at Matia Chowdhury's aunt's house in Kapasia. But due to Matia's popularity, the villagers recognize her, much to Matia's embarrassment. As a result we had to move out earlier than planned. After independence, Matia Chowdhury became busy with politics. Still, she was a close family friend of ours. Her husband died in between. The sudden death of her husband at a young age had a profound effect on her.
Matia Chowdhury was very interested in preserving the memory of the Liberation War. She was a genuine benefactor of the Liberation War Museum since its inception. After the death of husband Bazlur Rahman, she donated whatever she got to the Liberation War Museum. She gave a financial donation to the Liberation War Museum to launch the 'Bazlur Rahman Memorial Medal for Liberation War Journalism' to engage the new generation with history. To this end she has worked closely with the respective Jury Board every year.
The name of Matia Chowdhury, who became a leader of the people from the student movement, will come up in many cases when writing the history of Bangladesh politics. Matia Chowdhury will live in the hearts of the conscious people of this country through her actions. The mortal body changes, but the virtuous lives in the midst of her actions. Her ideals will continue to inspire new generations. She will be missed not only by our family, but also by the museum and dedicated journalists. May her soul rest in peace.
Dr. Sarwar Ali. Trustee, Liberation War Museum. (Courtesy of Daily Star)