The remains of Harris Chowdhury, a freedom fighter and former political secretary to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, were transferred to Sylhet and reinterred with state honours on Sunday at Shafiqul Haque Chowdhury Memorial Orphanage in Kanaighat, which he had established in his father's name.
Earlier that day, at 2pm, a brief gathering was held at Sylhet’s Shahid Eidgah, where prayers were offered following the event.
Speakers reminisced about Harris Chowdhury’s illustrious life.
His remains arrived at Sylhet Circuit House at 9:30am.
Officials from the local administration, along with leaders of Sylhet district, Metropolitan BNP, and affiliated organizations, paid their respects to the remains there.
Reports indicate that the decision to rebury Hariss Chowdhury’s remains was made on December 20.
In the presence of his daughter, Samira Tanzin Chowdhury, and other relatives, the reburial with state honours was carried out under the supervision of Kanaighat Upazila Nirbahi Officer Farzana Nazrin.
Harris Chowdhury passed away on September 3, 2021.
At the time, during the Awami League government’s tenure, his identity was concealed, and he was buried under the name of Professor Mahmudur Rahman on the premises of Jamia Khatamunnabiyyin Madrasa in Birulia, Savar.
Later, following a writ petition filed by his daughter Samira, the High Court ordered the exhumation of the body in the presence of relevant officials.
Afterwards, the CID collected samples for DNA testing, and the remains were stored in the morgue at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
The DNA test confirmed the identity of the remains as Harris Chowdhury’s, after which his family initiated the process of reburial in Sylhet.
Samira Tanzin Chowdhury said: "My father has been laid to rest with state honours at the designated spot in the orphanage he established."