Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of former acting President of the country 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, member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) National Standing Committee, and veteran politician Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar,” he said in a condolence message this morning.
Tarique Rahman described Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar as “a wise, experienced, honest and dedicated figure in the political history of Bangladesh”, saying that he served the country with integrity, wisdom and a strong sense of responsibility as acting President and Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad throughout his long and distinguished political career.
The prime minister said Sircar also held several important positions in government, including Minister for Education, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, State Minister for Land, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, and State Minister for Public Works and Urban Development.
“The nation will remember with deep respect his contributions to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting parliamentary culture and advancing people-oriented governance,” he said.
Tarique Rahman said Sircar remained committed throughout his life to the ideals of Bangladeshi nationalism, democracy and the establishment of people’s rights.
He said Sircar never deviated from his principles during the BNP’s long political struggle, difficult periods and adverse circumstances.
Despite political repression, persecution and numerous challenges, Sircar upheld the party’s nationalist ideals with dedication, wisdom and determination, the prime minister said.
He added that Sircar played a significant role with courage, wisdom and unwavering resolve during the BNP’s prolonged 17-year movement against authoritarian rule.
Tarique Rahman said Sircar’s unforgettable contribution to the struggle for restoring democracy, voting rights and fundamental rights of the people would be remembered with great respect in BNP’s history and would remain a glorious chapter in Bangladesh’s democratic journey.
“With his passing, the nation has lost an experienced politician, a distinguished parliamentary leader, a prudent statesman and a true patriot,” he said, adding that Sircar’s ideals, wisdom, integrity and lifelong service would 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 prime minister said.
Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar passed away at a private hospital in the capital at 4:19am on Sunday. He was 94.
