Saber Hossain Chowdhury tipped as Awami League’s new face amid leadership crisis

There’s been growing chatter within the political sphere that Saber Hossain Chowdhury, a five-time elected Member of Parliament, might soon take on the role of spokesperson for the Bangladesh Awami League. 

Following the political unrest in July, where Awami League President Sheikh Hasina found herself abroad in India, the party has struggled to maintain its usual strong presence. 

Many leaders and activists have faced exile, legal troubles, and even physical attacks, leaving the party largely silent aside from its digital platforms.

At this critical juncture, the Awami League appears to be looking for a fresh, credible face with a clean reputation to step up as its spokesperson.

Saber Hossain Chowdhury, with his vast political experience and international recognition, seems to be a strong contender, as per sources within the party. 

Although he was arrested on October 6 of last year, he is currently out on bail. 

Among the party’s heavyweight leaders, rumors suggest that he remains one of the few still residing in the country, which adds to the growing speculation about his new role.

A Political Veteran

Saber Hossain Chowdhury first entered parliament in 1996, representing the Dhaka-6 constituency. 

Since then, from 2008 to 2024, he has been elected as the MP from Dhaka-9 four more times. 

His last role in the 12th National Parliament was as the Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.

His previous roles also include being the Deputy Minister of Shipping in 1999 and the State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives.

In terms of leadership within the party, he served as the Organizing Secretary of the Bangladesh Awami League Central Committee from 2001 to 2008. 

Additionally, he held the position of Political Secretary to party President Sheikh Hasina. 

His political journey hasn’t been without hardships. During the BNP-Jamaat alliance’s rule, he was imprisoned twice in 2003. 

An international human rights organization recognized him as a "prisoner of conscience" in January 2003, launching an "Urgent Action" campaign to demand his release.

A Close Link to Sports

Saber Hossain Chowdhury isn’t just known for his political career; he’s also well-remembered for his contributions to Bangladesh’s cricket administration. 

He served as the President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board from 1996 to 2001. 

Under his leadership, Bangladesh earned full membership in the International Cricket Council (ICC) and gained Test status. 

His achievements in cricket administration were honored when he was made a lifetime member of the prestigious Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

Global Recognition

Beyond his local achievements, Saber Hossain Chowdhury has made waves on the international stage as well. In 2014, he became the first and only Bangladeshi to serve as the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), a Geneva-based organization, for the term 2014-2017. 

His work in promoting global peace and democracy was so well-received that the IPU honored him with the title of Honorary President for life. 

The IPU, established in 1889, is a global organization with representatives from 179 countries’ national parliaments, collectively representing over 6.5 billion people.

Legislative Impact

In parliament, Saber Hossain Chowdhury has played a key role in proposing amendments to Article 18 of the Constitution related to environmental and biodiversity conservation. 

Through his efforts, important laws such as the "Prevention of Custodial Death and Torture Act" and the "Leprosy Patients‍‍` Segregation Act" were passed. His leadership has also helped Bangladesh become a significant player in global climate change initiatives.

A Political Family

Born on September 10, 1961, in Feni District‍‍`s Daganbhuiyan Upazila, Saber Hossain Chowdhury comes from a well-known family. 

His father, Hedayet Hossain Chowdhury, was the founder and chairman of the Karnaphuli Group. 

His two brothers, Saeed Hossain Chowdhury and Sadek Hossain Chowdhury, are also prominent figures in the business world. Saeed is the chairman of HRC Group and One Bank Limited, and the president of the Editorial Board of the daily Jaijaidin newspaper. 

Sadek is the chairman and managing director of Multi-Drive Group.

Saber Hossain Chowdhury completed his undergraduate studies in Politics and Economics at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, and earned a law diploma from Westminster University.

His extensive political experience, administrative skills, and international recognition make him a strong candidate for the spokesperson role in the Awami League. 

Party insiders believe his position and diplomatic expertise will significantly shape public opinion in favor of the party.