Trinamool Congress MP from Basirhat, Haji Nurul Islam, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 61, following a long battle withliver cancer.
Islam, a two-term MP, died at his residence in Bahera village, Duttapukur, North 24-Parganas. According to family sources, his condition had deteriorated inrecent weeks.
Despite being in poor health and unable to campaign actively, Islam secured a resounding victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, defeating BJP’s Rekha Patra, the “face of Sandeshkhali,” by over 3 lakh votes. His win was particularly significant amid accusations of terror in the Sandeshkhali area, which falls under the Basirhat constituency.
Known for his strong grassroots connect, particularly among the minorities, Islam joined Trinamool in 1998 and became a popular face in and around Basirhat. He was first elected to the Lok Sabha in 2009, where he focused on issues related to rural development, minority rights and education.
He also won the Haroa Assembly seat in 2016 and 2021 but resigned after becoming MP this year.
Islam also served as chairman of the West Bengal Haj Committee.
Islam is survived by his wife, four sons, and a daughter. His passing leaves a deep void in both the political and social landscape of Basirhat.
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressed profound grief at his passing. In a statement shared on X, Mamata said: “Saddened by the demise of my valued colleague, our MP from Basirhat, Haji Sk. Nurul Islam. He was a dedicated social worker who tirelessly worked for the upliftment of poor people in a backward region. The people of Basirhat will deeply miss hisleadership.”
Trinamool second-in-command Abhishek Banerjee wrote on X: “It deeply saddens me to hear about the passing of our Lok Sabha MP from Basirhat, Haji Sk. Nurul Islam. He was a true champion of the Ma, Mati, Manush philosophy, dedicating his life to serving the people and safeguarding their well-being, even in his final days.”