Power, Energy & Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood. File Photo

DHAKA, April 1, 2026(BSS) - Valiant freedom fighter Iqbal Hassan Mahmood was born on May 10, 1950 in a distinguished Muslim family in Sirajganj. His father Abdullah Al-Mahmud and mother Begum Abeda Khatun, greatly influenced his early life and values. 

His father was a renowned politician who served as Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources and Water Resources in the then Pakistan government. He was also a former Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan, the Bengal Legislative Assembly and the Indian Legislative Council.

Throughout his academic life, Iqbal Hassan Mahmood demonstrated outstanding merit and leadership. In 1975, he completed his Master’s degree with Honours from Dhaka University (DU). From his student life, he was actively engaged in social and political activities. His spouse, Rumana Mahmood, was a former Member of Parliament. In his personal life, he is the father of one son and one daughter.

Iqbal Hassan Mahmood popularly known as Tuku played a significant role in the pivotal movements of the nation. He actively participated in the historic 11-Point Movement of 1969 as a member of the East Pakistan Students’ Union. In 1971, he took part in the Great War of Liberation, contributing to the country’s struggle for independence.

In the post-independence period, he continued to play an active role in national politics and was elected as Member of Parliament four times through direct vote. He served as a Member of the Law Commission and made notable contributions at the organizational and policy-making levels as a Member of the National Standing Committee of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). His political philosophy is rooted in democracy, rule-based governance and the welfare of the people.

Alongside his political career, Iqbal Hassan Mahmood has gained extensive experience in industry and commerce. For over the past four decades, he has served as a sponsor director in various projects. He was a former Director of the Bangladesh Shilpa Rin Sangstha (BSRS), a leading industrial financing institution, and served as President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI). 

He has also held key leadership roles in major industrial enterprises, including Managing Director of Apex Weaving & Finishing Mills Limited, former Director of Apex Tannery Limited and former Deputy Managing Director of Apex Foods Limited and Apex Spinning & Knitting Mills Limited. Since 1978, he represented Bangladesh in promoting the country’s export-oriented industries at international level.

The life and career of the valiant freedom-fighter reflect dedication, patriotism, political foresight and significant contributions to industry and commerce, an exemplary journey aligned with the nation’s development aspirations.