12th Death Anniversary of Former Minister BNP Leader Eng. L.K. Siddiqi,Today Recitation, Prayer and Discussion the Occasion in Sitakunda.

Md Omar Faruk | special correspondent The 12th death anniversary of Engineer Alhaj Abul Hasnat Lutful Kabir (L.K.) Siddiqi, a four-time Member of Parliament from Chattogram-4 (Sitakunda), former Deputy Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad, former Minister for Water Resources, former Vice Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and a distinguished engineer, is being observed today, August 1. L.K. Siddiqi passed away on this day in 2014 while undergoing treatment at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore. Widely respected for his integrity, visionary leadership and commitment to public welfare, he remains one of the most admired political figures in Sitakunda. Born on April 15, 1939, in South Rahmatnagar of Muradpur Union under Sitakunda Upazila, Siddiqi graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Ahsanullah Engineering College (now Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology—BUET) in 1961. After establishing himself as a successful engineer, he entered politics and earned a reputation for honesty, competence and dedicated public service. He was first elected to Parliament in 1979 from the then Chattogram-2 constituency (now Chattogram-4). He was re-elected from the same constituency in the parliamentary elections of 1991, 1996 and 2001 with overwhelming public support. During his political career, he served as State Minister for Power, State Minister for Irrigation, Water Development and Flood Control, Deputy Speaker of the Sixth Jatiya Sangsad, and later as Minister for Water Resources from 2001 to 2003. He also served as a Vice Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Beyond politics, L.K. Siddiqi made remarkable contributions to education, healthcare and social development. He was one of the founding members of Agrabad Mother and Child Hospital and played a leading role in establishing Agrabad Women's College, Agrabad Girls' School, Bhatiari Bijoy Smarani College, and Sitakunda Girls' School and College. He also served as the founding President of the Agrabad Residential Area Socio-Cultural Association, former Chairman of Agrani Bank, Governor of Rotary District 3280, Syndicate Member of the University of Chittagong, and former President of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB). In 1979, he represented Bangladesh at the 34th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Political colleagues and local residents remember him as a leader of integrity, courtesy and unwavering dedication to public service. His commitment to people's welfare over personal interests earned him respect across political divides. To mark the anniversary, the family has organized Qur'an recitation (Khatm-e-Qur'an), a prayer gathering, and food distribution among orphan children at his residence in South Rahmatnagar, Muradpur Union, this morning. Meanwhile, the Sitakunda Upazila and Municipal units of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), along with its associate organizations, have arranged a prayer, Milad and discussion meeting at the Municipal Hall at 4:00 pm. The day's programmes will conclude after Maghrib with a visit to his grave at the family graveyard in South Rahmatnagar. L.K. Siddiqi rests in eternal peace at his family graveyard in South Rahmatnagar. His lifelong dedication, integrity, visionary leadership and service to the people continue to inspire future generations. Though time moves on, his legacy remains deeply cherished by the people of Sitakunda.