The passing of a legend always remains as a mystery as we take them for granted when they are alive. A common phrase says "Legends never die." Exactly this stuck me when I heard about the demise of Professor Dr. T.A. Chowdhury, our beloved 'Touhid Kaka'or uncle on March 9, 2025 at around 3pm. There is also another saying, stating: "When the legends die, the dreams end; there is no more greatness." He died peacefully within seconds. His sudden transition from transitory to eternal world happened very calmly without any struggle, which reflects the overall serenity and positive nature of the life he lived. On the March 9 afternoon, while having lunch, he had a cough and this coughing took his life away silently. Can death be that simple and easy? Yes, possibly it can be true for someone like him. This was a man who dedicated his life to bringing lives into the world, gave smiles to countless childless parents, treated and cured women by applying his best medical knowledge. Monetary benefits were always less of a consideration for him. Therefore, this man definitely deserved the best treatment from the Almighty upon his demise. After death, very quickly without any delay and interruption, he was buried where he could reunite with his beloved elder brother, another exceptional human being A.H.N.A Chowdhury who was one of the finest urban planners this country has ever produced and their father M. A. Chowdhury, a former civil servant. In the Wikipedia he is introduced in the following way: "AHM Touhidul Anowar Chowdhury (10 October 1937-9 March 2025), commonly known as T.A. Chowdhury, was a Bangladeshi gynecologist and obstetrician who was awarded Independence Day Award in medical science in 2017." It goes without saying that Bangladesh's medical sector will be facing a huge vacuum upon his demise. "He was more than just a great teacher of medicine-he was a teacher of life. From him, we gained not only medical knowledge but also invaluable lessons on living and communicating. His immense contributions to Bangladesh's healthcare sector will be remembered forever," said Dr. Ferdousi Begum, former president of Obstetrical and Gynecological Society of Bangladesh (OGSB). He has been described as the teacher of the teachers and an institution by his students who are now leading physicians in the country.
Mourning the death of legends is not exactly similar to mourning the passing of a family member or a beloved friend. The latter creates an enormous void in the lives of the closest family or the circle of relatives and friends. This is very well expressed in the poem, "The Empty Chair" by Mary Fridel-Hunt. Mary wrote this poem seven months after her beloved husband departed. The unoccupied chair at the dining table, the huge space on the queen-size bed, the laughter coming from the nearby spot on the couch when TV comedies come on - these make the personal sadness of the loved and loving ones left behind endure longer.
A journey of excellence
Professor Dr. T A Chowdhury is a legend in the field of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Bangladesh, not to mention his enormous contributions in the field of infertility treatment. He passed his MBBS Examination in 1960 from Dhaka Medical College and stood first in the country. He passed the Fellow Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) Course at King Edward Medical College, Lahore and went to the UK for higher studies on government scholarship only to pass the Final FRCS Examination from the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. He also obtained the MRCOG Examination from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in 1965 at the very first attempt.
After returning from England, he joined Sir Salimullah Medical College as an Associate Professor and served there for six years. Then, he was transferred to Chittagong Medical College and worked both as an Associate Professor and a Professor. Afterwards, he worked at the then Institute of Postgraduate Medicine and Research (IPGMR) as a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology for 22 years until his retirement from government service in 1994. He was also appointed as Director of that prestigious post-graduate institute and worked in that capacity for the last seven years. Till his death, he served as an Honorary Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at BIRDEM.
Prof. Chowdhury was a pioneer in organizing and expanding the scope of postgraduate education in the country. He was the Founding Secretary General of the OGSB. He was also the Founding President of the Bangladesh Perinatal Society and Fertility and Sterility Society of Bangladesh. He served as the Vice-President of the Asia and Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and also the President of the South Asia Federation of Obstetrics & Gynecology (SAFOG). He was elected Counselor of the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons consecutively for more than 20 years. He published many scientific papers in, and is on the editorial board of, many national and international medical journals.
Professional laurels
Prof. Chowdhury received honour from many national and international organisations at home and abroad. He was awarded the ATCO Gold medal for standing First in the MBBS Examination of the Dhaka University, as well as the 'Gorkha Dakshin Bahu Gold Medal' - the highest Civilian Awards of Nepal, by the former King of Nepal for his contribution toproducing trained postgraduate medical manpower for Nepal. Other awards include the Rotary Gold Medal for social services and his contribution towards healthcare in Bangladesh, the Lifetime Achievement Medal by the OGSB, and the Presidential Medal of the South Asian Federation of Obstetrics & Gynecology. He received Swadhinata Award in 2017.
My personal association with the 'miracle' man
Considering the above rich professional legacy, he always remained as a wonder to me. After I became a part of the Chowdhury clan through marriage, I often got nervous and scared of Touhid Kaka. The reason was nothing but his strong personality. From my childhood, I had been hearing this name.
Possibly, it was around mid-1980s that my one of my grandfather went to Singapore for treatment of his wife. Upon returning, he said that doctors there asked him about Prof. T.A. Chowdhury and said it was needless for them to travel to Singapore.
When one of my father's best friends had babies in late 1980s, their happiness knew no bounds. The elderly couple were childless and they lost all their hopes. Just then the magic happened. The whole situation was like a fairy tale. In the story Touhid Kaka was an angel who came to their life and gave them children (they had two children in two consecutive years). Like my uncle and aunt, he was no less than an angel to so many others.
To many of his patients, he was a very sombre and serious type of person. I heard from many of his patients, "Doctor is very rude, he doesn't listento patients much, and he doesn't talk with the patient. Still, he is the best," said one.
Anotherrelative of mine said, "I didn't go to him as he is seemingly rude. But when I went to Singapore for treatment, doctors there asked why I went there as Bangladesh has the miracle doctor Professor TA Chowdhury."
Another friend of mine went for treatment in India. She said, " Doctor of the hospital said, why didn't you consult Professor T A Chowdhury? We invite him to India for solving critical cases." These types of stories were very common about him.
Actually, the misunderstandings stemmed from the fact he had a very soft and empathetic heart with a hard shell outside.
When I was diagnosed with a quite serious disease in 2013, I and my family were shattered. In Bangkok, the doctors concludedthatthere was no hope for me. Touhid Kaka then insisted that weconsult a renowned liver specialist in Bangladesh, Prof Dr Mohammad Ali. After running many medical tests, when he became assured of my non-malignancy, Prof. Ali said , "Now I can give Sir the good news. He was extremely anxious. He told me to do my best."
Leaving a lasting legacy
To me, he was not only a doctor but a true visionary. He decided to continue sharing his knowledge and training to juniors to create a panel of successors. He believed after his death his disciples will continue his legacy. He encouraged, taught, critiqued, and set excellent examples to many who received the same gifts from him but which needed to be honed and polished. I don't think anybody can count the number of his students at home and abroad, who worship him as divine inspiration throughout the world.
Despite his demanding roles as a physician, surgeon, teacher and a researcher, he maintained a variety of hobbies and interests that reflected his multifaceted diverse talent and interest. An avid reader, he had a fondness for books. He loved to travel to know cultures and cuisines of different countries. Gadgets became his obsession as learning was his passion. He was a philanthropist, deeply involved in various charitable activities, and was known for his simple lifestyle and professional excellence.
Dr. Professor TA Chowdhury can be described as 'a national treasure', who is loved by many. His 'fierce intellect', 'gloriously sharp tongue for teaching', his 'magical surgeon's hand' made him unique. As one of the most efficient and veteran gynecologists of his time, he will be remembered for advancing medical education and healthcare in Bangladesh. I believe his remarkable legacy will continue to inspire future generations of medical professionals.
The writer is Head of the Department of English, Canadian University of Bangladesh
email: peea1617@gmail.com
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