Badruddin Umar was a symbol of independent conscience: Tarique Rahman

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has described the late Badruddin Umar as a powerful symbol of the nation's independent conscience, paying tribute to the noted intellectual, writer, and leftist politician following his passing earlier on Sunday.

In a statement issued Sunday, Tarique Rahman said that despite facing repeated state repression throughout his life, Badruddin Umar remained steadfast and uncompromising in his ideals.

“No fear or threat could deter him from fulfilling his responsibilities. He never hesitated to speak out, even in the face of authoritarianism,” said Rahman. “He was truly a symbol of free thought in our nation.”

Umar, aged 94, passed away around 10:00 a.m after falling ill and being taken to Bangladesh Specialized Hospital in Dhaka. He had been suffering from age-related complications for an extended period.

Offering his condolences, Rahman prayed for Umar’s departed soul and expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved family. He noted that the passing of Badruddin Umar has left a significant void in the country’s intellectual and political landscape.

“With his death, Bangladesh has lost a pioneer of progressive leftist politics—an independent-minded, fearless voice. His absence is deeply felt by all who value freedom of thought,” Rahman added.

He further noted that Umar had the rare ability to internalize the people’s suffering and articulate it through the language of protest.

“From the Language Movement of 1952 to the country's Liberation War and various struggles against autocracy, Badruddin Umar’s activism, thoughts, and writings were truly unforgettable,” Rahman said.

He also praised Umar’s extensive body of scholarly work on political, social, cultural, and economic transformations in Bangladesh, calling them invaluable contributions that continue to be widely respected among readers and researchers alike.