Akhtaruzzaman Chowdhury Babu

Akhtaruzzaman Chowdhury Babu
Born	Template:Birth date
Died	November 4, 2012(2012-11-04) (aged 67)
Occupation(s)	Politician, entrepreneur
Known for	Member of Jatiya Sangsad, founder of United Commercial Bank Ltd and Aramit Group

Akhtaruzzaman Chowdhury Babu (1 May 1945 – 4 November 2012) was a politician affiliated with the Bangladesh Awami League and served as a member of the Jatiya Sangsad representing the Chittagong-12 constituency. In 2021, he was honored posthumously with the Independence Award.

Early life

Babu was born on 1 May 1945 and secured election to the East Pakistan provincial assembly from Anwara-West Patia in 1970. During his student years, he was actively involved in the Bangladesh Chhatra League and played a significant role in organizing the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra in Chittagong throughout the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Role in 1971 War

In 1971, Babu’s Jupiter House located in Patharghata functioned as a strategic command post for freedom fighters, where local leadership coordinated efforts and distributed the declaration of independence. This proclamation was replicated via cyclostyle at his residence and circulated to various areas, including radio stations. Subsequently, he traveled to India to oversee refugee affairs and served on the Relief and Rehabilitation committee under the Mujibnagar Government. Midway through the conflict, Babu visited Europe and America to garner international support, participating in delegations to London and the United States led by Abu Syed Chowdhury.

Career

A distinguished freedom fighter and politician, Babu became a regional council member (MPA) in 1970 and contributed as a signatory to Bangladesh’s Constitution in 1972. He was elected to Parliament from Chittagong-12 in 1986, 1991, and 2008 as a candidate of the Bangladesh Awami League. From 1977 until his passing, he presided over the South Chittagong District Awami League unit. Babu founded and chaired United Commercial Bank Ltd and Aramit Group. Additionally, he led the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry and chaired the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Textiles and Jute.

Entrepreneurship

• Founded in 1963 with technical assistance from Team S.A. Luxemburg, Aramit Limited is a prominent cement producer.
• Incorporated in 1995 with Chinese technical collaboration, Aramit Cement Limited manufactures Ordinary Portland Cement.
• Aramit Thai Aluminium Limited produces extruded aluminium sections utilizing advanced European technology.
• Aramit Steel Pipes Limited pioneered stainless steel pipe production meeting international standards within Bangladesh.
• Aramit Footwear
• Aramit Power Limited

Controversies and criminal charges

Babu was named as the main accused in the 1993 murder case involving businessman Humayun Zahir amid disputes over control of United Commercial Bank’s board. After allegations of financial misconduct and irregularities surfaced, he was removed from the board, arrested, and subsequently released on bail before leaving the country. He returned in 1996 following the formation of an Awami League government under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with whom he maintained a close relationship while serving as industry and commerce secretary for the party.

On 26 August 1999, Babu led an armed group that included his son Saifuzzaman Chowdhury to forcibly seize control of the bank’s board during a meeting. They compelled chairman Zafar Ahmed Chowdhury and other members to resign at gunpoint, appointing Babu as chairman. Reports indicate that board members were physically assaulted and that the chairman faced humiliation during this takeover.

Awards

He was honored with the Independence Award 2021, the most prestigious civilian accolade in Bangladesh, acknowledging his significant role during the 1971 liberation war.

Death

Babu died on 4 November 2012 from kidney-related health issues at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore. In tribute to him, the Muradpur-Lalkhan Bazar flyover was renamed as the Akhtaruzzaman Chowdhury flyover.