Syed Nazrul Islam

Syed Nazrul Islam was a prominent Bangladeshi politician and a senior leader of the Awami League. During the Bangladesh War of Independence, he served as the Acting President of Bangladesh under the Provisional Government.

Early life and education

Syed Nazrul Islam was born in 1925 into a Bengali Muslim family of Syeds. His birthplace was the village of Bir Dampara, located in Jashodal Union within the Kishoreganj region of the Bengal Presidency. He pursued higher education at the University of Dhaka, where he obtained degrees in both history and law. While studying, he became an active student political leader within the Muslim League.

He captained his college cricket and hockey teams during his youth. After participating in the Pakistan movement, he entered the civil service of Pakistan in 1949. He resigned from this position in 1951 to pursue different professional paths. He worked as a professor of history at Ananda Mohan College in Mymensingh and also practised law.

Career

Islam's political journey began when he joined the Awami Muslim League. He participated in the Language Movement in 1952, an event that led to his arrest by police. He eventually rose to various provincial and central leadership positions within the party. During this time, he became a close confidant of Sheikh Mujib. He faced imprisonment during the Six Point Demand movement.

In 1970, he was elected to the National Assembly of Pakistan. He served briefly as the deputy leader of the majority in that assembly. Following the arrest of Mujib on 25 March 1971, Islam escaped to Meherpur, Khulna, alongside other party leaders. There, the independence of Bangladesh was proclaimed. He stepped in as the acting president while Tajuddin Ahmed served as prime minister.

He played a vital role in leading the nationalist cause. His work included coordinating the BDF guerrilla force and securing support from India and other nations. After independence, he held several important roles. He was appointed minister of industries, a member of the constitution committee, and the deputy leader in parliament. When Mujib assumed sweeping powers as president in 1975, Islam was appointed vice-chairman of the BAKSAL.

Following the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 15 August 1975, Islam went into hiding with other loyalists. This group included Tajuddin Ahmad, A. H. M. Qamaruzzaman, and Muhammad Mansur Ali. He was ultimately arrested by the regime of Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad. He was imprisoned in the Dhaka Central Jail along with three other leaders. All four men were assassinated on 3 November 1975 during the event known as the Jail Killing.

Personal life

Syed Nazrul Islam married Syeda Nafisa Islam. The couple had six children together. His four sons were Sayed Ashraful Islam, Syed Manzurul Islam Manju, Syed Shariful Islam, and Syed Shafayetul Islam. His older daughter was the MP Syeda Zakia Noor Lipi.

Awards and recognition

The government-run Shahid Syed Nazrul Islam Medical College in Kishoreganj is named in his memory. He received the Independence Award for his contributions. His son, Sayed Ashraful Islam, remains a notable figure.