D. M. H Obaidur Raza Chowdhury

D. M. H Obaidur Raja Choudhury (1921–1982), widely known as Dewan Shaheb, was a distinguished politician, community leader, and proud grandson of the mystic poet Dewan Hason Raja. Born into the renowned zamindar family of Sunamganj, he combined the cultural legacy of his ancestry with a lifelong dedication to public service. From his early involvement in student politics to his election as a Member of the Pakistan National Assembly in 1970, and through his long tenure as Chairman of Sunamganj Municipality, he played a vital role in shaping both local governance and national movements, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, patriotism, and integrity.

D. M. H Obaidur Raja Choudhury
Member of Bangladesh Parliament
In office 1970–1973
Succeeded by	A. Zahur Miah
Personal details
Born	1921 (1921) Sunamganj District
Died	1982 (aged 60–61) Sunamganj District
Political party	Bangladesh Awami League
Children	Dewan Mosaddek Reza Choudhury Dewan Mukaddem Reza Choudhury Dewan Imdad Reza Choudhury
Education	Government Jubilee High School, St. Edmund's College, Shillong

Career

Dewan Obaidur Raja Choudhury entered public life at a time when Bengal and Sylhet were undergoing historic transformations. From his student days, he became engaged in politics, initially as a worker of the Ganatantri Dal (Democratic Party).

Over the years, his political career reflected his deep commitment to justice, democracy, and the rights of Bengalis. His journey included:

Participation in the Pakistan Movement of 1947 and the Sylhet Referendum, which determined Sylhet’s integration into East Bengal.

Active involvement in the Language Movement of 1952, standing in solidarity with those demanding Bangla as a state language.

Support for the Six-Point Movement, the blueprint for Bangladesh’s autonomy.

Leadership during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, where he stood with the cause of freedom.

In 1962, he joined the National Democratic Front, and by 1969, he had aligned with the Awami League, reflecting his growing influence and alignment with the people’s aspirations.

In the landmark 1970 general election, he was elected as a Member of the Pakistan National Assembly from Sylhet-5 as an Awami League candidate, a position that carried immense responsibility on the eve of Bangladesh’s independence..^[1][2][3]

Early Life and Heritage

Dewan Obaidur Raja Choudhury, lovingly remembered as Dewan Shaheb, was born in 1921 into the illustrious Dewan family of Sunamganj. He was the grandson of Dewan Hason Raja Choudhury (1854–1922), the legendary mystic poet and zamindar of Bengal, whose songs and philosophy still resonate with Bengalis across the world.

Obaidur Raja grew up in an environment rich with cultural, political, and intellectual influences. His maternal uncle, Moulvi Munawwar Ali (1886–1951), was a minister in the Assam Provincial Government and later Speaker of the East Bengal Legislative Assembly. This close exposure to leadership and governance would profoundly shape his worldview and political journey.

Education

He pursued higher studies at St. Edmund’s College in Shillong, one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the region. In 1945, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree, equipping him with the intellectual foundation for his later political and social endeavors.

Political Career and Activism

Dewan Obaidur Raja Choudhury entered public life at a time when Bengal and Sylhet were undergoing historic transformations. From his student days, he became engaged in politics, initially as a worker of the Ganatantri Dal (Democratic Party).

Over the years, his political career reflected his deep commitment to justice, democracy, and the rights of Bengalis. His journey included:

• Participation in the Pakistan Movement of 1947 and the Sylhet Referendum, which determined Sylhet’s integration into East Bengal.
• Active involvement in the Language Movement of 1952, standing in solidarity with those demanding Bangla as a state language.
• Support for the Six-Point Movement, the blueprint for Bangladesh’s autonomy.
• Leadership during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, where he stood with the cause of freedom.

In 1962, he joined the National Democratic Front, and by 1969, he had aligned with the Awami League, reflecting his growing influence and alignment with the people’s aspirations.

In the landmark 1970 general election, he was elected as a Member of the Pakistan National Assembly from Sylhet-5 as an Awami League candidate, a position that carried immense responsibility on the eve of Bangladesh’s independence.

Local Leadership in Sunamganj

Beyond his role in national politics, Dewan Obaidur Raja Choudhury made lasting contributions to his community. He served as Chairman of Sunamganj Municipality for 12 years (1965–1977). During this time, he played a central role in shaping local governance, public welfare, and the development of his hometown. His leadership earned him the enduring respect and affection of the people, who called him simply “Dewan Shaheb.”

Personal Life

He carried forward the Dewan family’s legacy not only through his public service but also through his family. He was the father of three sons:

• Dewan Mosaddek Reza Choudhury (eldest)
• Dewan Mukaddem Reza Choudhury (middle)
• Dewan Imdad Reza Choudhury (youngest, b. 1967)

Through them, and through his grandchildren, his name and legacy continue to live on.

Death and Legacy

On 3 December 1982, Dewan Obaidur Raja Choudhury passed away, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as a freedom supporter, politician, community leader, and direct descendant of Hason Raja.

Today, his life is remembered not only for his political achievements but also for the way he bridged the spiritual and cultural heritage of his grandfather with the modern political struggles of Bengal. In both Sunamganj and Sylhet, his contributions to society remain part of local history, and within his family, his story continues to inspire pride across generations.