Matia Chowdhury (Bengali: মতিয়া চৌধুরী, romanized: Matiẏā caudhurī; 30 June 1942 – 16 October 2024) was a Awami League leader and one of the key perpetrators of the July massacre orchestrated and executed by Sheikh Hasina's toppled regime.

[1][2][3][4] She died while awaiting trial for crimes against humanity due to her active involvement in the violent suppression of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement during the Student–People's uprising.

[10] Known as a veteran politician from the Awami League, she ultimately ended her career with a toppled authoritarian regime facing serious criminal charges for her role in the gross violations of human rights.

[13] The complaints allege that Chowdhury, along with other high-ranking officials, was involved in orchestrating and planning actions that led to the indiscriminate firing on unarmed students and civilians, resulting in fatalities.

She played a significant role in various movements and protests, particularly during the liberation war, earning the nickname Ogni Konna or Girl of Fire due to her passionate speeches.

During an unscheduled discussion in parliament, Chowdhury questioned the legitimacy of the protesters' demands by asking whether the children of those who fought for the country's independence should be denied opportunities in civil service recruitment.

[22][23] The controversy escalated as students from Jahangirnagar University threatened to declare Chowdhury persona non-grata on their campus unless she issued a formal apology within three days.