Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah (Bangladeshi politician) facts for kids

Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah (born September 8, 1945 – died June 13, 2020) was an important politician and lawyer from Bangladesh. He was a member of the Bangladesh Awami League political party. From 2019 until his death in 2020, he worked as the State Minister of Religious Affairs. This means he was a government official in charge of religious matters. He was chosen for this role in January 2019, as part of the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Early Life and School

Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah was born on September 8, 1945. His birthplace was Gopalganj, which was part of the Bengal Presidency in British India at that time.

His Education Journey

He went to a Qawmi madrasa, which is a traditional Islamic school. He also attended Sultan Shahi Kekania primary school and high school. For his college studies, he went to Azam Khan Government Commerce College in the Khulna District.

Later, he earned two master's degrees from the University of Dhaka. In 1972, he got his first master's degree in communication. Then, in 1974, he completed his second master's degree in economics from the same university.

His Career and Work

Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah was a very active person throughout his life. He helped start the Gopalganj branch of Jubo League. This group is the youth part of the Awami League political party. He even worked as the headmaster at his old high school, Sultan Shahi Kekania High School.

Fighting for Freedom

In 1971, he bravely fought in the Bangladesh Liberation War. This was a war for Bangladesh to become an independent country. He was part of a special group called the Mujib Bahini.

Roles in Politics

After the war, he continued his work in politics. In 1975, he became the Joint Secretary of the Gopalganj branch of the Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League. For a long time, he was the General Secretary of the Gopalganj District Awami League. Later, he also became its president. He also served as the Religious Affairs Secretary for the main Bangladesh Awami League party. He held many other important positions over the years.

Working as a Lawyer

In 1977, Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah earned a law degree from Central Law College, Dhaka. After that, he worked as a lawyer in courts in Dhaka and Gopalganj. He was also the main election helper for Sheikh Hasina, who is the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. He helped her in her election area, Gopalganj-3.

On January 7, 2019, he was chosen to be the State Minister of Religious Affairs. This was a very important role in the government.

His Passing Away

Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah passed away on June 13, 2020. He was on his way to the Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka when he died near Jahangir Gate of Dhaka Cantonment.

Cause of Death

After his death, it was found that he had COVID-19. This made him the first government minister in Bangladesh to die from COVID-19 while still in office. His death happened during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh.