Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of former Acting President and veteran politician Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar.
"I express my profound grief and deep sorrow at the death of former Acting President, former Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad, Language Movement veteran, member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) National Standing Committee, and veteran politician Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar," he said in a condolence message in the morning.
Prime Minister's Press Secretary AAM Saleh Shibly conveyed the condolence message to BSS, saying the premier also prayed to Almighty Allah for the eternal peace and forgiveness of Jamiruddin Sircar's departed soul.
"Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar was a wise, experienced, honest, and dedicated figure in the political history of Bangladesh," Tarique Rahman said, adding that throughout his long and distinguished political career, he served with integrity, wisdom, and a strong sense of responsibility as Acting President and Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad.
At different times, Jamiruddin Sircar also served the nation in several important positions, including Minister of Education, Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, State Minister for Land, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, and State Minister for Public Works and Urban Development, the premier said.
"The nation will remember with deep respect his contributions to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting parliamentary culture, and advancing people-oriented governance," the prime minister added.
Throughout his life, Jamiruddin Sircar remained steadfast in the ideals of Bangladeshi nationalism, democracy, and the establishment of the people's rights, he said.
During the party's long struggle, difficult times, and adverse circumstances, he never deviated from his principles under any situation, Tarique Rahman added.
Despite political repression, persecution, and numerous challenges, Jamiruddin Sircar upheld the nationalist ideals of the party with dedication, wisdom, and determination, he said, adding, in particular, during the prolonged 17-year movement against authoritarian rule, he played a significant role with courage, wisdom, and unwavering resolve.
His unforgettable contribution to the struggle for restoring democracy, voting rights, and the fundamental rights of the people will be remembered with great respect in the history of the BNP, and will also remain a glorious chapter in Bangladesh's democratic journey, the prime minister said.
With his passing, the nation has lost an experienced politician, a distinguished parliamentary leader, a statesman, and a true patriot, he said, adding, Jamiruddin Sircar's ideals, wisdom, integrity, and lifelong service will remain an exemplary model and a source of inspiration for future generations of politicians.
"I pray to Almighty Allah to grant the departed soul His mercy and forgiveness. May Allah bless him with Jannatul Ferdous. I also extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved members of his family, relatives, colleagues, well-wishers, and countless admirers," the premier said.
Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar breathed his last at a private hospital in the capital at 4:19am on Sunday. He was 94.
END/BSS/ASA
