Matia Chowdhury facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Matia Chowdhury
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মতিয়া চৌধুরী
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Chowdhury in 2013
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| Minister of Agriculture | |
| In office 6 January 2009 – 7 January 2019 |
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| Prime Minister | Sheikh Hasina |
| Preceded by | Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku |
| Succeeded by | Mohammad Abdur Razzaque |
| Member of Parliament for Sherpur-2 |
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| In office 25 January 2009 – 6 August 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Zahed Ali |
| In office 5 March 1991 – 13 July 2001 |
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| Preceded by | Abdus Salam |
| Succeeded by | Zahed Ali |
| Presidium Member of Bangladesh Awami League | |
| Assumed office 21 December 2021 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 30 June 1942 Pirojpur, Bengal Presidency, British India |
| Died | 16 October 2024 (aged 82) Dhaka, Bangladesh |
| Nationality | Bangladeshi |
| Political party | Bangladesh Awami League |
| Spouse | Bazlur Rahman |
| Education | University of Dhaka |
| Occupation | Politician |
Matia Chowdhury (born June 30, 1942 – died October 16, 2024) was an important politician from Bangladesh. She served as a member of the Jatiya Sangsad, which is like the parliament of Bangladesh. She represented the Sherpur-2 area from 2009 to 2024.
Matia Chowdhury was also the Minister of Agriculture. This means she was in charge of farming and food production for the country. She held this role under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at different times, from 1996 to 2001, and again from 2009 to 2019. She was a very experienced leader in the Bangladesh Awami League political party until she passed away.
Early Life and Education
Matia Chowdhury was born on June 30, 1942, in a place called Nazirpur in Pirojpur District. Her father, Mohiuddin Ahmed Chowdhury, worked as a police officer.
She finished her higher secondary education at Dhaka Eden College. Later, she went on to graduate from the University of Dhaka.
Becoming a Leader
Matia Chowdhury started her political journey when she was still a student. She took part in important movements, like the one against the Ayub government and the protests about education in 1962.
In 1963, she was chosen as the Vice-President of the Dhaka Eden Girls College Students’ Union. The next year, in 1964–65, she became the General Secretary of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU).
Chowdhury was known across South Asia for her powerful speeches and strong will. These qualities earned her the nickname Ogni Konna, which means Girl of Fire. Even though she began her political life with a different party, the left-wing National Awami Party, she became one of the most respected leaders of the Awami League.
She was the president of the East Pakistan Students’ Union from 1965 to 1966. Between 1967 and 1969, she often organized protests against the Ayub government. During this time, she faced challenges and was held for about two years. She was released in 1969 during a big public uprising.
Personal Life
Matia Chowdhury was married to Bazlur Rahman. He was the editor of The Sangbad, which is one of the oldest Bengali-language newspapers still being published. Bazlur Rahman passed away on February 26, 2008.
Her Legacy
Matia Chowdhury passed away on October 16, 2024, at the Evercare Hospital Dhaka in Dhaka. She was 82 years old and died due to health issues related to her age.
