M. Abdul Latif
M. Abdul Latif | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 10, 1955 Chittagong District, Bangladesh |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Known for | Member of Jatiya Sangsad representing Chittagong-10 and Chittagong-11; president of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce & Industry; president of Chittagong Abahani football club |
M. Abdul Latif is a politician affiliated with the Bangladesh Awami League and a former member of the Jatiya Sangsad, having represented the constituencies of Chittagong-11 and Chittagong-10. Besides his political engagements, he has held leadership roles in trade organizations, including serving as the president of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce & Industry. He currently presides over the board of the football club Chittagong Abahani, based in Chittagong.
Early life
Born on 10 March 1955, Latif possesses a Diploma specializing in leather technology.
Career
Latif embarked on his political journey as an Awami League representative for Chittagong-10, where he secured 164,591 votes, surpassing his Bangladesh Nationalist Party opponent Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, who received 141,946 votes. On 5 January 2014, he was re-elected from Chittagong-11 with a vote tally of 283,169, once again defeating Chowdhury. During his tenure, he was part of the treasury bench in parliament.
In February 2016, Latif faced legal action initiated by Awami League activist Saifuddin Rabi, who accused him of manipulating images of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and alleged infiltration by Jamaat-e-Islami within his ranks.
In the January 2024 elections, Latif contested again for the Chittagong-11 seat while his son, Omar Hajjaj, ran independently. The Bangladesh Election Commission summoned Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Mayor of Chattogram City, for campaigning in favor of Latif, an act considered a breach of election regulations. Latif emerged victorious and secured a position in the 12th parliament.
Following the collapse of the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina, on 10 August 2024, Latif was placed under the custody of the Bangladesh Army to shield him from potential attacks by activists affiliated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. He was subsequently arrested on 17 August, placed under remand for three days, and underwent surgical treatment for a head injury sustained during his detention.