Some leaders leave behind legacies beyond the confines of politics. Abdullah Al Noman was such a man.
He was a politician by designation, but a mentor, a strategist, and above all, a decent human being by essence.
Speakers made these observations at a memorial meeting organized by the Chattogram Citizens’ Committee at the city’s Press Club on Monday,
Chattogram City Mayor Dr. ShahadatHossain attended the event as Chief Guest while MA Malek, editor of DainikAzadi, and Saeed Al Noman, founder of East Delta University attended as special guests on the occasion.
Osman GaniMonsur, editor of People’s View presided over the memorial meeting.
“Much of what I practice as mayor—political strategy, leadership with calm, and patience under pressure—I learned from NomanBhai,” Chattogram City Mayor Dr. ShahadatHossain , Chief Guest at the event said. “He never raised his voice, never lost his temper. That in itself was a political lesson.”
“I first met him at Golam Akbar KhandakarBhai’s residence in 1987. That moment sparked a relationship that lasted 38 years”, he continued recalling how as a young medical student he was coaxed into the world of student politics by peers seeking leadership under pressure.
MA Malek, veteran editor of DainikAzadi, described him as “a clean politician in every sense of the word—unassuming, respected by opponents, and admired by colleagues.”
“He wasn’t just a leader of his party; he was a guardian of the city,” Malek noted. “He carried within him a rare combination of intellect and humility, clarity and conviction. In times when political noise often drowns reason, Noman’s voice was steady, reasoned, and respected.”
“My father solved mountain-like problems as though they were ripples in water. He taught us the value of frugality, patience, and perseverance, Saeed Al Noman, his son noted with pride and poignancy. In his death, I see the rare image of a man loved in life and remembered in dignity.”
The event saw participation from a cross-section of society—academics, journalists, political leaders, and cultural figures—all of whom had stories to tell. From former vice-chancellors to grassroots activists, each painted a piece of the mosaic that was Abdullah Al Noman: a leader, an organizer, a man of modern thinking, and a devout believer in democratic ideals.
Moderated by ShahnewazRiton, a member of the Chattogram Press Club , event was addressed among others by former VC of Chattogram Veterinary University Prof. NitishDebnath, Premier University Vice Chancellor Prof. NasrulQadir, BSFFF Chairman Syed MahmudulHaque, Amar Desh resident editor ZahidulKarim Kochi, ChattogramSonmilitoPeshajibiParisad member secretary Dr. KhurshidJamilChowdhury, founding general secretary of Chattogram City BNP Jahangir Alam, former president of CU Teachers’ Association Prof. Dr. Siddiq Ahmed Chowdhury, East Delta University Vice Chancellor Dr. NazimUddin, former South District BNP general secretary KM Ferdous, central BNP member SathiUdayKusumBarua, KalerKantho special correspondent Mustafa Nayeem, and poet-playwright Abhik Osman.
The event began with recitation from the Holy Quran by Assistant Professor Osman Gani.
