Dhaka, Oct 16 (V7N) – Awami League presidium member and former Deputy Leader of Parliament, Begum Matia Chowdhury, passed away today while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. The hospital authorities confirmed that she died at around 1 PM, as reported by Evercare Hospital General Manager Arif Mahmood.

Matia Chowdhury, a distinguished politician and former Member of Parliament for the Sherpur-2 constituency, had recently been serving with ministerial status, which she received in February following the death of Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, her predecessor as Deputy Leader of Parliament during the Awami League’s tenure.

Born on June 30, 1942, in Pirojpur, Matia Chowdhury was widely known as "Agnikanya" for her fiery spirit and bold leadership. She became active in politics during her time as a student at Eden College and was elected president of the Bangladesh Students' Union in 1965. In 1967, she joined the East Pakistan National Awami Party, where she became an executive committee member.

During the Liberation War of 1971, she played a significant role in mobilizing support and aiding wounded freedom fighters. After independence, she became a key figure in the Awami League, serving as the party's organizing secretary. Over the years, Matia Chowdhury was arrested multiple times under the regimes of Presidents Ziaur Rahman and Hussain Muhammad Ershad for her political activism.

Throughout her illustrious career, Matia Chowdhury held several high-ranking positions, including serving as Agriculture Minister during the Awami League governments in 1996, 2009, and 2013. At the time of her death, she was the number one presidium member of the Awami League.

Matia Chowdhury was married to renowned journalist Bazlur Rahman on June 18, 1964. She leaves behind a legacy of dedication to public service, particularly in her efforts to improve the agricultural sector and her unwavering commitment to the people of Bangladesh.

Her passing marks the end of an era, and she will be remembered as one of the most prominent women in Bangladeshi politics, respected for her integrity, dedication, and tireless advocacy for the people.

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