President of Bangabandhu Parishad (Acting), Prof. Dr. A.M.S. Arefin Siddique, and General Secretary, Prof. A.B.M., expressed their heartfelt condolences on behalf of Farooq Bangabandhu Parishad in a joint statement today. They deeply mourned the passing of Matin Chowdhury on his 42nd death anniversary.

In their statement, they said, "After the brutal killing of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and his family in 1975, the entire country was in mourning and shock. During those years of martial law, imposed nightly due to the fear of protests, uttering any words related to Bangabandhu or the Liberation War in newspapers and on radio and television was strictly prohibited. Severe punishment was imposed for such acts."

"In those dark days of 1978, the then Honorable Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, the renowned physicist Professor Dr. Abdul Matin Chowdhury, took a bold and courageous initiative to protest and demand justice for the killing of Bangabandhu. He convened a meeting with intellectuals, teachers, and scientists from Dhaka University and other universities, leading to the formation of 'Bangabandhu Parishad.' Initially, he served as its convener, and the esteemed political analyst and renowned writer Mr. Khandkar Mohammad Ilyas served as its member-secretary."

"The following year, this committee was further organized with Mr. Elias as its president and the general secretary. The full committee of 'Bangabandhu Parishad' was constituted. This move was a response to the brutal repression by the authoritarian government in 1979 and 1980, which demanded an investigation and trial for Bangabandhu's murder, involving intellectuals, professors, political activists, parliamentarians, and lawyers from around the world."

"The nation remains grateful to Professor Dr. Abdul Matin Chowdhury, especially as the first president of 'Bangabandhu Parishad,' for his incredible courage during such a critical time. His bravery led him to imprisonment under the autocratic and murderous military ruler Ziaur Rahman's regime. The government also subjected him to various forms of harassment and humiliation. However, he remained steadfast in his respect and sense of responsibility towards the Father of the Nation until his death. He carried the spirit of the liberation war with unwavering determination, serving as an example to others during that time."

"As an intellectual organization dedicated to upholding Bangabandhu's ideals, dreams, and the spirit of the liberation war, 'Bangabandhu Parishad' was founded by Professor Dr. Abdul Matin Chowdhury. It has since been led by successive prominent figures such as economist Professor Dr. Mosharraf Hossain, the legendary Justice KM Sobhan, the brave poet Begum Sufia Kamal, and the voice of conscience of Bangladesh, Professor Kabir Chowdhury. Each of them served as the president of this council, contributing significantly to the nation. Our recently departed president, Dr. SA Malek, has served as the general secretary of this council for four decades. Even after such a long time, we continue to walk the path shown by our founder president, Professor Dr. Abdul Matin Chowdhury. We pray for his departed soul to rest in peace and extend our deepest condolences to his bereaved family members and friends. Condolences."