By Md. Kamal Uddin
Advocate Md. Lukman Shah, a lawyer and political activist from Chattogram’s Anwara upazila, is increasingly being described by supporters as a committed public servant whose career reflects perseverance, ideological conviction and grassroots engagement.
Born in Guapanchak village of Anwara, Lokman Shah was raised in a family that emphasized integrity, responsibility and public service. His late father, Md. Nur Mohammad Shah, and mother Nur Ayesha Begum are credited with shaping his early moral and social values.
He completed his Secondary School Certificate from Daulatpur Multipurpose High School, Higher Secondary Certificate from Anwara College, earned a B.Com (Pass) degree under the National University, and later obtained his LL.B from International Islamic University Chattogram.
Lukman Shah’s political journey began during his student years. He served as General Secretary of Anwara Degree College Chhatra Dal and later held positions including member, office secretary and joint convener of Chattogram South District Chhatra Dal.
Supporters say his involvement in student politics was rooted in organizational work and grassroots mobilization rather than rhetoric. He was active in rallies, meetings and campaigns, often playing a frontline role during politically turbulent periods.
Inspired by the political philosophy of former President Ziaur Rahman, he advocates multi-party democracy, nationalism and self-reliance. He has also expressed loyalty to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and supports the leadership of Tarique Rahman in reorganizing the party structure.
Lukman Shah has faced arrests during periods of political unrest. On March 18, 2013, he was detained from the Chattogram Metropolitan BNP office while serving as joint convener of Chattogram South District Chhatra Dal. He was later arrested again on October 27, 2023, near Jatrabari in Dhaka while heading to a political rally.
His supporters describe these incidents as tests of his political resilience, saying they strengthened rather than deterred his activism.
Currently serving as an Additional Public Prosecutor at the Chattogram District and Sessions Judge Court, Lokman Shah regularly appears before both district courts and the Supreme Court. Colleagues describe him as an experienced legal practitioner.
Local residents say he often provides legal support to disadvantaged individuals dealing with land disputes, administrative complications or alleged false cases. He has publicly emphasized that strengthening the rule of law is essential for sustaining democracy.
Lukman Shah sought party nomination in the 2018 parliamentary elections and again ahead of the 2026 polls. Although he did not secure nomination, he publicly supported party-backed candidates in both instances.
In his constituency, the BNP-backed candidate won by a significant margin of approximately 76,000 votes, a result supporters attribute in part to unified party efforts.
Supporters in Chattogram argue that Lokman Shah’s legal expertise, political experience and grassroots connections make him suitable for key public roles. Among the positions suggested by local advocates are Chairman of the Chattogram District Council, Chairman of the Chattogram Development Authority, or Chief Public Prosecutor of the Anti-Corruption Commission’s Chattogram unit.
They believe his appointment to a major administrative or policymaking role could strengthen governance, law enforcement and public trust in the region.
Backers describe Advocate Md. Lokman Shah as more than a lawyer or party figure — portraying him as an “ideological soldier” who has remained active despite political challenges. Many in Chattogram say they hope national leadership will consider him for a significant state responsibility in the future.
Whether such recognition materializes remains to be seen, but his supporters maintain that his political journey reflects dedication, resilience and commitment to public service.