Ekushey Padak recipient and veteran of the Language Movement, Alhaj Mohammad Mojibur Rahman Master, passed away on Saturday morning at a private clinic in Rangpur city.
He had been battling various age-related illnesses for a prolonged period. His death was confirmed by Badrganj Upazila’s acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Maliha Khanam.
Born on September 1, 1937, in Khiyarpara village, Kutubpur Union, Badrganj Upazila, Rangpur, Mojibur Rahman Master was a key figure in both the Language Movement and Bangladesh's Liberation War.
He became involved in the Language Movement in 1948 while still a student in the eighth grade, and in 1952, during his tenth grade, he was issued an arrest warrant for participating in protests demanding language rights.
At the time of joining the Liberation War in 1971, Mojibur Rahman was an assistant teacher at Shyampur High School.
During the war, he served as the joint convener of the All-Party Struggle Council of Badrganj and fought under Sector 6.
He was part of a 300-strong group led by Captain Anwar, comprising Ansar, police, and army personnel, who received military training in Phulbari, Dinajpur. Mojibur later fought in guerrilla operations in Nilphamari and worked closely with Sector Commander Captain Noazesh.
Mojibur Rahman also played a significant role as an assistant recruiting officer at the Tapurhat Youth Camp in Cooch Behar, India, during the Liberation War.
He met with then Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmed in Kolkata, receiving key instructions to support the war effort.
Throughout his political career, Mojibur Rahman served as the General Secretary of Badrganj Upazila Awami League from 1969 to 1990.
He also held positions as chairman of Kutubpur Union Parishad and the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC).
His dedication to youth and community work earned him the President's Scout Medal.
In recognition of his contribution to the Language Movement, Mojibur Rahman was awarded the prestigious Ekushey Padak in 2023, cementing his legacy as a hero of Bangladesh's cultural and political history.
He is survived by two sons, Mostafizar Rahman Majnu (a teacher) and Mostakur Rahman (an engineer), and his daughter, Monsefa Khanam (a homemaker).
His death has sparked an outpouring of grief from social and cultural organizations across Rangpur, as well as condolences from prominent citizens.
