Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury laid to eternal rest

Eminent lyricist, journalist, and political analyst Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury was laid to eternal rest at the Martyred Intellectuals Graveyard in Mirpur on Saturday afternoon.

The prominent Bangladeshi-British writer was buried at around 5:30 pm after people from all walks of life paid last tributes to the lyricist of "Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano".

Earlier on the day, Gaffar Chowdhury's body arrived in Dhaka on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from London, where he died of a cardiac arrest. 

After arrival, his body was taken to the Central Shaheed Minar where he was given a guard of honour by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Dhaka Md Shahidul Islam. Later, politicians, lawmakers, government officials, distinguished personalities, and commoners paid their last tributes from 1 pm to 3 pm.

First, President Abdul Hamid's Military Secretary Major General SM Salahuddin Islam paid respects to Gaffar Chowdhury on his behalf. 

Later, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Military Secretary Brigadier General Kabir Ahmed paid tribute on her behalf.

Then Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury paid homage. Flanked by party leaders and activists, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader also paid tributes to the noted journalist.

Various political, government, and private organisations including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, Kumudini Welfare Trust, Sector Commanders Forum, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Workers Party of Bangladesh, Communist Party of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Press Council, Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee, Bangladesh Chhatra League, Juba League, and Bangladesh Chhatra Union also paid tributes with flowers.

Gaffar Chowdhury's body was then taken to the Dhaka University Central Mosque where his namaz-e-janaza was held at 3:30 pm. Then the body was taken to the Jatiya Press Club where another namaz-e-janaza was held.

Anupam Ahmed Reza Chowdhury, son of Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury, expressed his gratitude to all for paying homage to his father.

Anupam said, "My father loved the people of Bangladesh very much and he knew that the people also loved him. That is why he always wanted to come here to rest. If he ever caused any pain to anyone, please forgive him."
After paying his respects, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said, "The demise of Gaffar Chowdhury marked the fall of the biggest tree of our culture."

Professor Muhammed Zafar Iqbal said, "Gaffar Bhai's lifelong dream was to establish a non-communal Bangladesh. It is our responsibility now. The real respect will be paid to him if we succeed in doing that."

Founder of Gonoshasthaya Kendra Zafrullah Chowdhury said, "BNP has made a mistake by not coming to pay homage to Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury. Just because he had preferences for a specific party doesn't mean I will not pay my respects to him."

"He has enriched the nation through his work as a journalist, as a writer. We respect him. He will live for his creation, for his works," Zafrullah said.

Gaffar Chowdhury went to London in 1974 for his wife's treatment, thanks to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

On 19 May, the veteran writer died of a cardiac arrest at a hospital in London.  He was 88.

The Bangladeshi-British community and other admirers paid their last respects to Chowdhury following his first namaz-e-janaza held at London's Brick Lane Mosque the next day.