Dabirul Islam Choudhury, a man who captured hearts and inspired a nation, has passed away at the remarkable age of 106. He died peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday at the Royal London Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of extraordinary generosity and unwavering spirit.
His story began during the isolating days of the pandemic, when, mirroring the incredible efforts of Captain Tom, Dabirul embarked on a personal challenge. He envisioned a global movement, aiming for 1.5 million steps walked worldwide, and began his own journey within the confines of his east London garden.
Fasting during Ramadan, Dabirul tirelessly completed 970 laps of his communal garden, each step fueled by compassion. He raised over £420,000, a testament to his dedication and the generosity of those he touched. Nearly £116,000 went directly to the NHS, a lifeline during a time of crisis.
The remaining funds were distributed to 30 charities across 52 countries, a far-reaching impact orchestrated through the Ramadan Family Commitment (RFC) Covid-19 initiative. Dabirul served as an ambassador for the RFC, a role he embraced with characteristic humility and purpose.
His extraordinary efforts were recognized in 2020 with an OBE in the Queen’s birthday honours, a well-deserved acknowledgement of his selfless service. But Dabirul didn’t stop there; his compassion extended beyond borders and immediate needs.
In 2022, he opened his home to the world, hosting a live stream event to support Ukrainian refugees and raise further funds for the RFC. People from over 300 countries – from Bangladesh to Canada, India to Turkey – tuned in, united by a shared desire to help.
During that event, held in his garden, Dabirul led a poignant 102-second silence, a moment of reflection on the suffering endured by those displaced by conflict. He spoke with quiet conviction about the basic human needs of food and safety, and the importance of alleviating hardship.
“There are a lot of people who are dying,” he said, “I like to support them. If you help anybody, you will get the benefit of it. I wish to see that the people who are quarrelling should stop their quarrelling.” These words encapsulate a lifetime dedicated to peace and kindness.
His son, Atique Choudhury, shared the news of his father’s passing on Facebook, expressing gratitude for the support received throughout his life. He asked for prayers, a testament to Dabirul’s deep faith and the comfort it provided.
A niece, Rose, remembered his quiet determination during Ramadan, highlighting how he proved age is no barrier to making a difference. His sincerity, she said, moved hearts across the globe. The Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, spoke of Dabirul’s kindness, care, and unwavering support, noting the profound loss felt by the community.
Born in 1920 in what was then British Assam, Dabirul moved to England in 1957 to study English Literature. His education and linguistic skills led him to become a respected community leader, settling in St Albans. He dedicated himself to community projects and supported the independence struggle of Bangladesh.
Beyond his charitable work, Dabirul was a gifted poet, having penned over a thousand poems. He found joy in sharing his work at local book clubs and poetry associations, enriching the lives of those around him. His life was a tapestry woven with compassion, creativity, and a deep commitment to humanity.
A final message shared on Dabirul’s Facebook page expressed gratitude for the love and support he received, and requested prayers for his forgiveness and eternal peace. His Salatul Janazah, the Islamic funeral prayer, was held on Thursday, marking the end of an extraordinary life.
