Biography
A Biography of Abdur Razzak
Introduction (1971)
March 26, 1971. Midnight. South Damudya village, Sherpur (now Shariatpur). The darkness was thick, but the silence was thicker—the kind of silence that precedes catastrophe.
Suddenly, the roar of military trucks shattered the night. Headlights cut through the darkness. Pakistani soldiers jumped out, rifles raised. Their target: one house. Their mission: capture or kill Abdur Razzak, the young student leader who had been organizing resistance.
“Abdur Razzak! Come out! We know you’re inside!”
Inside, a young man was wide awake. He had known this day would come. His crime? He had spoken for the Six-Point Program. He had strengthened Chhatra League. And secretly, he had been dreaming of a free Bangladesh.
He peeked through the window. At least twenty armed soldiers. Rifles. Flashlights. No escape through the front.
Then he saw it—the back door.
He opened it silently. Before him lay a half-dry pond, thick with mud and shadow. Without hesitation, he slid into the water, buried his face in the mud, and held his breath.
The soldiers stormed the house. They searched every room, overturned every piece of furniture. Finding nothing, they fired random rounds into the darkness. Bullets splashed into the pond. Mud sprayed. Razzak did not move. Did not breathe. Did not make a sound.
After an hour, the soldiers left.
That night, Abdur Razzak made a decision: he would not just survive. He would fight. Before dawn, he changed clothes, borrowed a bicycle, and pedaled toward the Indian border. An old man on the road blessed him: “Son, bring our country back alive.”
That blessing carried him through the war, through prison, through a lifetime of struggle.
This biography traces the journey of that young revolutionary—from a farmer’s son in Shariatpur to Pakistan’s Constituent Assembly, from a guerrilla commander in Meghalaya’s jungles to Bangladesh’s Water Resources Minister, from a political prisoner to the architect of the historic Ganges Water Treaty.
At a Glance: Life of Abdur Razzak
| Aspect | Details |
| Full Name | Abdur Razzak |
| Born | August 1, 1942, South Damudya village, Sherpur (now Shariatpur), Bengal Presidency, British India |
| Died | December 23, 2011, Dhaka, Bangladesh |
| Father | Alhaj Imamuddin (farmer, religious leader) |
| Mother | Begum Akfatunnesa (homemaker) |
| Spouse | Farida Razzak |
| Children | Nahim Razzak (MP, former Minister), Fahim Razzak (lawyer) |
| Education | SSC (Damudya Muslim High School, 1958); HSC (Dhaka College, 1960); BA (Hons) Political Science (University of Dhaka, 1964); MA Political Science (University of Dhaka); LL.B (University of Dhaka, 1967) |
| Profession | Politician, freedom fighter, lawyer, minister |
| Key Political Roles | General Secretary, Awami League (1978-1981); General Secretary, BAKSAL (1975-1978, 1983-1991); Member of Parliament (1973, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2008); Water Resources Minister (1996-2001) |
| Liberation War Role | Sector Commander, Mujib Bahini; trained in Dehradun, India |
| Greatest Achievement | Signed the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty with India (1997) |
| Imprisonments | Multiple times (1962, 1966-67, 1967-69, 1978-79, 1990) |
Early Life (1942–1955)
August 1, 1942. The world was at war. Bengal was on the brink of famine. In a small village called South Damudya in Sherpur (now Shariatpur), a farmer’s family welcomed a son. They named him Abdur Razzak.
His father, Alhaj Imamuddin, was a respected religious figure who led prayers at the local mosque. He was also a farmer—one who understood the brutal rhythm of the Padma River. Some years the river gave; some years it took everything.
His mother, Begum Akfatunnesa, was a pious homemaker who taught her children that poverty was no excuse for dishonesty.
Young Razzak saw things that never left his memory. He saw farmers losing their land to river erosion. He saw moneylenders exploiting the poor. He saw a five-year-old boy asking his mother, “Why does the river eat people’s homes?” His mother replied, “That is our poverty, son. Grow up and find a solution.”
That boy never forgot. That boy would become the solution.
The village maktab taught him the Quran. The local primary school taught him his letters. Even as a child, he was a natural leader—the one other children gathered around, the one who spoke with surprising clarity.
Education (1955–1967)
Damudya Muslim High School (1955–1958)
Razzak walked miles to school every day, often through knee-deep water during monsoons. He excelled in mathematics, English, and Bengali. Teachers called him “the future big leader.” In 1958, he passed his SSC examination in first division.
Dhaka College (1958–1960)
He then moved to Dhaka College—the political heart of East Pakistan. The college grounds echoed with slogans against Ayub Khan’s military rule. Razzak joined his first protest, tasted tear gas for the first time, and made a decision: he would never back down.
University of Dhaka (1960–1967)
He enrolled in Political Science at Dhaka University and joined Fazlul Haque Hall (then called Muslim Hall). Hall politics was brutal—clashes between progressive Chhatra League and right-wing Islami Chhatra Sangha were common. Razzak organized Chhatra League cells, turning the hall into a fortress of resistance.
In 1962-63, he was elected unopposed as Joint Secretary of Fazlul Haque Hall Students’ Union—his first major political victory.
He earned his BA (Hons) in Political Science in 1964, followed by an MA and finally an LL.B in 1967. But his real education was happening in the streets, in prisons, and in secret meetings with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Struggles & Adversities (1962–1971)
The Education Movement (1962) – First Prison
In 1962, students rose against Ayub Khan’s repressive education policies. Razzak led protests near Dhaka College and University. On April 24, 1962, police opened fire, injuring several students. Razzak was arrested while shouting, “We demand education! We call for freedom!”
He spent 15 days in Dhaka Central Jail’s dark cells, where he was interrogated and beaten. But inside the prison, he organized secret discussions among political prisoners. Upon release, he was more determined than ever.
The Six-Point Movement (1966) – Second Prison
In 1966, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman announced the Six-Point Program—Bengal’s charter of freedom. Razzak, then General Secretary of East Pakistan Chhatra League (1965-67), traveled across the country, delivering fiery speeches in support of the Six Points.
In June 1966, he was arrested again. He remained in prison until early 1967.
The Longest Imprisonment (1967–1969)
In February 1967, he was arrested once more. This time, he was kept in isolation—separated from other political prisoners, denied family visits for months. His mother came to the jail once and wept. Razzak comforted her: “Mother, don’t cry. Pray for me. If you remain strong, the country will remain strong.”
In prison, he wrote secretly—a manuscript he called “The Song of Breaking Chains.” The jail authorities discovered it and punished him with 10 days in solitary confinement. But they could not break his spirit.
He was finally released in early 1969, just before the mass uprising that forced Ayub Khan to resign.
Love
In 1973, after independence, Abdur Razzak married Farida Razzak. She was not a public figure, but she was his anchor through every storm.
During his imprisonments, she maintained the household. During his political absences, she kept the constituency alive. During his final illness, she never left his side.
Their marriage produced two sons: Nahim Razzak and Fahim Razzak. Both would carry forward their father’s legacy—Nahim into politics, Fahim into law.
Razzak once said about his wife: “She never asked me to choose between politics and family. She understood that my struggle was her struggle.”
Personal Life (1970–2011)
Despite holding high office, Abdur Razzak lived with remarkable simplicity.
Home: A modest house in Shariatpur, not a palace.
Clothing: Simple Punjabi and pajama. Never ostentatious.
Food: Simple home-cooked meals. He was known to eat with farmers and laborers, sitting on the ground.
Routine: He woke before dawn for prayers, read newspapers, and then immersed himself in political work—often until midnight.
His house was always open. Farmers, students, party workers—anyone could walk in and speak to him. He kept no security even when death threats were real.
Once, a young party worker asked him, “Why don’t you live like other leaders—with big houses and cars?” Razzak replied, “I came from mud. I will return to mud. In between, I want to serve, not to impress.”
Future Plans & Vision (1996–2001)
As Water Resources Minister (1996-2001), Razzak had one overriding vision: secure Bangladesh’s fair share of Ganges water.
The Farakka Barrage, built by India upstream, had been diverting water, causing droughts in Bangladesh during dry seasons. Farmers were suffering. Rivers were dying.
Razzak led the negotiations with India. He met with Indian Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda and other officials multiple times. He consulted 25 legal experts and water specialists. He drafted proposals, countered objections, and persisted through deadlocks.
In December 1996, an agreement was reached. On February 12, 1997, the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty was signed—guaranteeing a 30-year framework for sharing water.
At the press conference, Razzak said, “This is not just a water treaty. It is a bridge of trust between two neighboring countries.”
That treaty remains a cornerstone of Bangladesh-India water relations.
Career – Phase 1 (1959–1971)
- 1959-1960: Executive member, Dhaka College Students’ Union
- 1960: Central member, East Pakistan Chhatra League
- 1962: Led Education Movement; first imprisonment
- 1963-65: Joint Secretary, Fazlul Haque Hall Students’ Union; Joint Secretary, Bangladesh Chhatra League
- 1965-67: General Secretary, East Pakistan Chhatra League
- 1966: Led Six-Point Movement; second imprisonment
- 1967-69: Third imprisonment (longest)
- 1969: Released during mass uprising; helped organize Awami League’s Volunteer Corps
- 1970: Elected to Provincial Assembly; worked closely with Bangabandhu
Career – Phase 2 (1971)
After escaping the Pakistani raid, Razzak crossed into India and reached Meghalaya. He joined the Mujib Bahini—a special guerrilla force loyal to Bangabandhu.
He was sent to Dehradun for advanced guerrilla training under Indian General Uban. He learned explosives, covert operations, sabotage techniques, and psychological warfare.
Returning to the border, he was appointed a sector commander. He trained over a thousand young freedom fighters in camps hidden in Meghalaya’s jungles.
His operations targeted:
- Pakistani supply routes (blowing up railway tracks)
- Military camps (surprise night attacks)
- Intelligence gathering through spies
In one major operation in Mymensingh, his unit killed 20 Pakistani soldiers and captured vital weapons.
Though a proposal was made to award him “Bir Bikram” for bravery, it was never officially gazetted—a controversy that followed him.
Career – Phase 3 (1972–1975)
After liberation, Razzak was elected Member of Parliament from Shariatpur-2 in 1973. He was 31 years old.
In Parliament, he became the voice of youth. He pushed for:
- Youth development programs
- Employment generation
- Educational expansion
During the 1974 famine, he personally organized relief in his constituency, distributing food to 10,000 families by boat.
Bangabandhu trusted him deeply. He once told Razzak: “You are the backbone of Chhatra League. Keep everyone together.”
Career – Phase 4 (1975–1981)
After Bangabandhu’s assassination on August 15, 1975, Razzak was devastated. He went into hiding for months to avoid arrest.
He served as General Secretary of BAKSAL (1975-1978) and later again from 1983-1991. This remains the most controversial phase of his career. Critics called him “BAKSAL-er Razzak.” His defense: “I was trying to keep Bangabandhu’s organization alive under military dictatorship. I made mistakes, but I never betrayed the ideals.”
In 1978, he openly opposed Ziaur Rahman’s military rule, declaring at a rally: “Martial law kills democracy. We do not accept this puppet government.”
He was arrested on September 30, 1978, and imprisoned for nearly a year in solitary confinement. Even from jail, he sent messages to keep Awami League united.
He was released in late 1979 and immediately resumed organizing.
From 1978 to 1981, he served as General Secretary of Awami League, helping rebuild the party under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership.
Career – Phase 5 (1990–1996)
During the 1990 mass movement against Hussain Muhammad Ershad, Razzak was again at the forefront. On November 27, 1990, he was arrested. From prison, he shouted: “Democracy will win!”
After Ershad’s fall on December 6, 1990, he was released.
In the 1991 parliamentary election, he was re-elected to Parliament. Though Awami League was in opposition, Razzak became a sharp critic of the BNP-Jamaat government.
Career – Phase 6 (1996–2001)
This was the crowning achievement of his political career.
As Water Resources Minister, he:
- Led negotiations with India for the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty
- Signed the 30-year treaty on February 12, 1997
- Ensured Bangladesh received fair share of water during dry seasons
- Initiated riverbank protection projects in his home district
The treaty remains his most enduring legacy in international diplomacy.
Career – Phase 7 (2001–2008)
After Awami League lost power in 2001, Razzak became a vocal opposition MP. He demanded:
- A war crimes tribunal for 1971 collaborators
- Accountability for the 2004 grenade attack on Sheikh Hasina
In 2009, he formally proposed the formation of the International Crimes Tribunal. When it was established in 2010, he testified as a witness.
He declared: “I saw with my own eyes the killing, the rape, the burning. The collaborators must be tried. This is the demand of independence.”
Travels & Diverse Experiences (1996–2001)
As Water Resources Minister, Razzak traveled extensively:
- India: Multiple trips to Delhi and Kolkata for Ganges treaty negotiations
- International water conferences: Presented Bangladesh’s position on transboundary rivers
- Diplomatic missions: Met with world leaders to advocate for fair water sharing
He also traveled to London and Washington for medical treatment in his final years.
Failures & Teachable Moments
The BAKSAL Controversy
His association with BAKSAL remains a stain for some critics. He never denied it. Instead, he said: “I did what I thought was necessary to survive under military rule. History will judge me.”
The Never-Gazetted Bravery Award
Despite a proposal to award him “Bir Bikram” for his guerrilla warfare, it never materialized. He never complained publicly.
Loss of Power
After 2001, he was in opposition for years. But he never switched parties. His loyalty to Awami League never wavered.
Source of Inspiration
Razzak drew inspiration from:
- Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: His mentor, his hero
- The Language Movement martyrs (1952): Their sacrifice taught him that language and identity are worth dying for
- The oppressed farmers of Shariatpur: Their suffering fueled his political fire
Influences & Inspirations
He was influenced by:
- Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani: The peasant leader who fought for land rights
- Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: The architect of Bangladesh
- Socialist thought: He believed in economic justice
Philosophical Views & Beliefs
On Politics: “Politics is not a game of self-interest. It is service to the people.”
On Independence: “Freedom won in 1971 must be protected every single day.”
On Justice: “The collaborators of 1971 must be tried. No compromise.”
On Power: “Power is temporary. Character is permanent.”
On the Ganges Treaty: “Water is life. Sharing water is sharing humanity.”
Unique Traits
- Fearlessness: Faced Pakistani bullets, military jails, and political threats without flinching
- Simplicity: A minister who lived like a farmer
- Loyalty: Never switched parties despite decades of struggle
- Organizational genius: Built Chhatra League from the ground up
- Diplomatic skill: Negotiated the Ganges Treaty against powerful odds
Contributions, Awards & Achievements
Political Contributions
- General Secretary, Awami League (1978-81)
- General Secretary, BAKSAL (1975-78, 1983-91)
- Member of Parliament (5 times: 1973, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2008)
Liberation War
- Sector Commander, Mujib Bahini
- Trained over 1,000 freedom fighters
Diplomatic Achievement
- Signed the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty (1997) – a 30-year agreement
Constituency Development
- Established Alhaj Imamuddin High School (1986)
- Established Abdur Razzak College (2000)
- Built river embankments to prevent erosion
No formal state awards – He never sought them. His reward was the people’s love.
Controversies
BAKSAL Membership
Critics argue he helped an authoritarian one-party system. Supporters argue he was trying to keep Bangabandhu’s legacy alive under impossible conditions.
Role During Military Rule
Some accuse him of compromising. He always responded: “I never betrayed Bangabandhu. I never betrayed the people.”
Unconfirmed Bravery Award
The unconfirmed “Bir Bikram” recommendation remains a minor controversy among war historians.
Contemporary Opinions & Interviews
Sheikh Hasina (Prime Minister of Bangladesh) : “Abdur Razzak was a soldier of the Liberation War, a pioneer of democracy. His place cannot be filled.”
A veteran freedom fighter : “In the jungles of Meghalaya, he was our commander. He never asked us to do anything he wouldn’t do himself.”
A farmer from Shariatpur : “He sat on the ground with us, ate our simple food, listened to our problems. He never acted like a minister.”
A political opponent : “I disagreed with his politics. But I never doubted his honesty.”
Myths & Misconceptions
| Myth | Truth |
| He was a careerist | He spent years in prison for his beliefs |
| He benefited financially from politics | He died in a modest house |
| He was pro-Pakistan before 1971 | He was imprisoned multiple times by Pakistan |
| He only cared about water policy | He developed schools, colleges, and embankments in his constituency |
| His children entered politics through nepotism | Both are educated professionals who earned their positions |
Famous Quotes & Thoughts
“When I spoke at Dhaka College grounds, I dreamed of an exploitation-free Bengal. After independence, I saw that building a country requires rule of law and justice. From streets to Parliament, from Parliament to ministries—I have spoken only one thing: people’s rights. I have gone to prison, endured torture, but never bowed my head.”
(From a 2005 memoir)
“The 1971 night when I lay in that ditch, bullets splashing mud around me—I saw death face to face. But if I had stopped out of fear, I would never have seen Bangladesh free.”
“Water is life. Sharing water is sharing humanity.”
(On the Ganges Treaty)
“What I have done, I have done for the people of this country. Power is temporary. Character is permanent. I hope the future generations of Bengalis will carry this character forward.”
(From a 2009 interview)
Message for the Present Generation
If Abdur Razzak were alive today, he would say:
“Politics is not about self-interest. It is about service. Those who lust for power alone will eventually be destroyed.
Carry the spirit of the Liberation War in your hearts. Speak against corruption and nepotism. Be ready to defend our independence.
You—the youth—are the eternal power of Bengal. Use that power wisely. Never bow to injustice. Never forget the sacrifices of 1971.”
Death & Legacy (2011)
Final Days
In early December 2011, Razzak’s health deteriorated. He was admitted to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka, suffering from kidney and heart complications.
Before losing consciousness, he told his son Nahim: “Keep working for the people of my constituency. Never forget them.”
Death
On December 23, 2011, at 10:45 AM, Abdur Razzak passed away. He was 69 years old.
Public Reaction
Bangladesh mourned. Sheikh Hasina issued a statement: “Abdur Razzak was a true soldier of independence. His place cannot be filled.”
His funeral prayer was held in Shariatpur. Thousands attended—farmers, students, political leaders, and ordinary citizens who remembered him as “their Razzak.”
He was buried in the family graveyard in Shariatpur, beside his parents—as he had wished.
Legacy
- The Ganges Water Treaty remains his most visible achievement
- Abdur Razzak College and Alhaj Imamuddin High School serve his constituency
- His sons carry forward his political and legal legacy
- Every year on December 23, the Abdur Razzak Foundation organizes memorial discussions
He was neither perfect nor uncontroversial. But he was authentic. He was fearless. And he never stopped fighting for what he believed.
Timeline: Key Events (1942–2011)
| Year | Event |
| 1942 | Born August 1 in South Damudya, Sherpur |
| 1958 | SSC from Damudya Muslim High School |
| 1960 | HSC from Dhaka College |
| 1962 | First imprisonment (Education Movement) |
| 1964 | BA (Hons) Political Science, Dhaka University |
| 1966 | Second imprisonment (Six-Point Movement) |
| 1967 | LL.B from Dhaka University; third imprisonment (1967-69) |
| 1970 | Elected to Provincial Assembly |
| 1971 | Escaped Pakistani raid; joined Mujib Bahini; sector commander |
| 1973 | Elected MP; married Farida Razzak |
| 1975 | Bangabandhu assassinated; General Secretary of BAKSAL |
| 1978 | Arrested for opposing Ziaur Rahman (imprisoned until 1979) |
| 1978-81 | General Secretary, Awami League |
| 1990 | Arrested during anti-Ershad movement |
| 1991 | Re-elected MP |
| 1996 | Re-elected MP; appointed Water Resources Minister |
| 1997 | Signed Ganges Water Sharing Treaty (February 12) |
| 2001 | Re-elected MP |
| 2008 | Final election as MP |
| 2011 | Died December 23 in Dhaka |
References
- Banglapedia (Second Edition) – “Razzak, Abdur” entry, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, 2021
- Wikipedia – “Abdur Razzak (politician)” articles (Bengali & English)
- Daily Prothom Alo – Special death anniversary features (2016)
- The Daily Star – “Abdur Razzak passes away” (December 23, 2011)
- BBC Bangla – “Abdur Razzak passes away” (December 23, 2011)
- New Age Bangladesh – Death anniversary discussion reports (2022)
- BSS (Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha) – “Abdur Razzak’s 9th death anniversary” (2020)
- History of Bangladesh Liberation War (10 volumes) – Liberation War Museum & National Publication, 2009/2019
- Abdur Razzak: Sangram O Netritto (Memorial book) – Ed. Dr. M. Alamgir Hossain, Abdur Razzak Smriti Sangsad, 2021
- Ganges Water Treaty: Diplomacy and Impact – Dr. Mohammad Mir Kazemi, Bayanno Prokashon, 2017
- History of Student Movements in Bangladeshi Politics (Vol. 2) – Muniruzzaman, Jatiya Sahitya Prokash, 2015
- Mujib Bahini and Sector Commanders in Bangladesh’s Liberation War – Major (Retd.) Rafiqul Islam, Ittadi Grantha Prokashon, 2010
- *History of Awami League: 1949-2009* – Comrade Mozaffar Ahmed (memoirs), Jatiya Sahitya Prokash, 2010
- Bangladesh Supreme Court Bar Council Register – “List of Lawyers 1973-2011” (Abdur Razzak’s name), 2012
- Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat – Lists of MPs (1973-2021) and parliamentary committee proceedings
- Abdur Razzak Foundation – “Smritite Abdur Razzak” memorial publication and annual reports (2012-2025)
Disclaimer
This biography is based on authoritative sources including Banglapedia, Wikipedia, contemporary journalism, archival records, and published memorial volumes. Some narrative elements—such as internal thoughts, emotional descriptions, and dramatic reconstructions of specific events—have been added for storytelling purposes. These creative additions do not alter the factual accuracy of the events described. Quotations attributed to Abdur Razzak are either documented or reconstructed from his known speeches and writings. Minor variations may exist across sources regarding exact dates of imprisonments and the details of his sector commander role. The BAKSAL controversy is presented neutrally, acknowledging both criticism and defense. This biography aims to honor and illuminate the life of a remarkable freedom fighter and political leader.
“I have faced death, prison, and torture. But I have never bowed my head. What I have done, I have done for the people of this country.”
— Abdur Razzak (1942–2011)
