Dhaka, Oct 05 (V7N) — Former President of Bangladesh, Professor Dr. AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury, passed away on Friday at the age of 94. He died at 3:15 PM while undergoing treatment at Uttara Mahila Medical College Hospital, an institution he had founded. The news of his passing was confirmed by his press secretary, Jahangir Alam.

Badruddoza Chowdhury leaves behind his wife Hasina Warda Chowdhury, one son, two daughters, and several grandchildren.

He had been admitted to the hospital on October 2 due to a lung infection. His daughter, Dr. Shayla Chowdhury, had mentioned earlier that her father was already suffering from ischemic heart disease. On Thursday night, his son, Mahi B. Chowdhury, informed the public that his father had been placed on life support, asking for prayers from the nation.

Born on October 11, 1930, in the renowned Munsef Bari in Comilla, Badruddoza Chowdhury was a prominent physician and a distinguished politician. His father, Advocate Kofil Uddin Chowdhury, was an important political figure, having served as the Vice President of the Krishak Praja Party and a member of the East Pakistan Provincial Cabinet.

Badruddoza Chowdhury entered politics in 1978 at the request of President Ziaur Rahman. He was first elected as a Member of Parliament from Srinagar, Munshiganj, in 1979 and served as a Cabinet Minister. He held various prominent positions throughout his political career, including Minister of Education, Deputy Leader of Parliament, and Foreign Minister.

On November 14, 2001, Badruddoza Chowdhury was elected as the President of Bangladesh. However, he resigned from the post in June 2002 due to political differences. In 2004, he founded his own political party, Aksanadhara Bangladesh, and continued his involvement in politics as the party’s president.

A highly respected figure in both politics and medicine, his passing marks the end of an era. Funeral arrangements and further tributes are expected in the coming days as the nation mourns the loss of a distinguished leader.

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