State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Chowdhury has received widespread praise for breaking government protocol and personally taking part in the burial of a local man.
The incident occurred on Friday (27 March) in Nandail Upazila. After attending programs to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for development projects, the minister was returning when he noticed a burial taking place beside the road.
According to local residents, Azimul Mia (40), son of late Amir Hossain from Garua village under Nandail municipality, died of a heart attack earlier that morning. In the afternoon, his family and local residents were preparing to bury him near their home. At that time, light rain had started falling.
As the minister’s convoy passed by, the scene caught his attention. Without hesitation, he stopped his convoy, got down from his vehicle, and went directly to the burial site. He then stepped into the grave and helped lower the body with his own hands, joining others in the burial process.
Witnesses said the minister did not inform anyone or follow any official protocol, which made the gesture even more surprising and impactful.
Local resident Arefin Haque said:
“After the burial, the minister joined everyone in offering prayers for the forgiveness of the deceased’s soul before continuing his journey.”
Eyewitness and Nandail Upazila BNP Member Secretary Md. Enamul Kadir said:
“We were amazed to see a minister stand beside ordinary people like this, ignoring protocol. It is a rare example in today’s time.”
Such an act, going beyond official duties and position, has been widely seen as a powerful example of humanity and compassion, something rarely witnessed in recent times.
