Dabirul Islam Choudhury OBE (1919–2026)

Ansar Ahmed Ullah
Contributing Editor,Shottobani

London: Dabirul Islam Choudhury OBE, affectionately known across the British Bangladeshi diaspora as Dabir Chacha, died peacefully on 13 January at 1:20am at the Royal London Hospital. He was 106. His death marks the passing of an exceptional figure whose life spanned continents and generations, and whose legacy was defined by service, generosity, and a deep commitment to humanity.

Born in 1919 in Kulonj village, Dirai, in Sunamganj, Bangladesh, Choudhury was the youngest of twelve siblings. From an early age, he showed both determination and a spirit of adventure. Family stories recall how, as a young boy, he rode a horse to enrol at MC College. In 1957, driven by a passion for literature and learning, he travelled to London to study English literature, an experience that would shape the rest of his life and forge enduring links between Britain and Bangladesh.

Like many migrants of his generation, Choudhury began his working life in the UK in modest circumstances, taking a job in a bread factory before going on to establish a successful restaurant business. Over time, he became deeply involved in community life, particularly in St Albans, where he was widely regarded as a trusted adviser and advocate. He devoted himself to supporting others, assisting countless individuals with housing, employment and immigration matters at a time when such guidance was often difficult to access. His philanthropy also reached back to his birthplace, where he funded the construction of 18 schools and two mosques, leaving a lasting contribution to education and community life.

Alongside his social and charitable work, Choudhury was a prolific poet and literary enthusiast. He wrote more than 1,000 poems and published three books, earning respect for his cultural contributions. He was known for his ability to recite from memory the works of Rabindranath Tagore and William Shakespeare, reflecting both his scholarship and his enduring love of literature.

During the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, he played an active role from the UK, helping to raise funds through the St Albans Action Committee in support of the independence movement. Nearly five decades later, he came to national and international attention during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2020, at the age of 100, while observing the fasts of Ramadan, he completed 970 laps of his garden and raised more than £420,000. Half of the funds were donated to the NHS, with the remainder distributed among 30 charities across 52 countries. Inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore, his efforts were widely admired and led to his being awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to society. His public activism continued well into his centenarian years. In 2021, he launched the initiative Walk with Dabir Chacha, which inspired thousands to take part. In 2022, he initiated 102 seconds of silence in solidarity with Ukraine, an act observed in more than 300 cities worldwide. His charitable foundation continues to operate, ensuring that his values and vision endure.

A tall man, standing 6ft 3in, Choudhury was remembered by those who knew him as warm, cheerful and unfailingly generous. Among the many stories associated with his life was a remarkable journey in 1960, when he drove an Austin car from England to Sylhet. He is survived by his wife Khaleda Dabir Choudhury, son Atique Choudhury, a restaurateur and his daughter, Barrister Almona Choudhury, a Liberal Democrat politician.

Paying tribute, his son said, “I would like to thank everyone who supported my father in his lifelong journey of fundraising and benevolence for the people of the world.” Widely recognised as a distinguished son of Bangladesh and a respected figure in British community life, Dabirul Islam Choudhury leaves behind a remarkable legacy. His life stands as a testament to the enduring impact of compassion, civic responsibility, and the belief that one individual, regardless of age, can make a meaningful difference to the world.