AL lawmaker, ex-BCC mayor Hiron passes away

Shawkat Hossain Hiron, lawmaker of Barisal-5 constituency and former city mayor, passed away at Apollo Hospitals Dhaka yesterday morning, aged 58.
Parliament unanimously passed a motion of condolence on his death, reports our staff correspondent.
Ruling alliance MPs paid tributes to Hiron, calling him a bright, brave and honest leader who played a key role in modernising Barisal city.
They also observed a minute of silence.
Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury raised the motion of condolence.
Hiron, Awami League president of the city unit, had been put on life support since April 3.
He was hospitalised after suffering a stroke on March 22. Later he was flown to Singapore on March 24 being sent back to Apollo on April 3.
He left behind his wife Jebunnesa Afroz, daughter Trina and son Sajid.
His first namaz-e-janaza was held at South Plaza at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban after Asr prayers yesterday.
His body will be taken to his Barisal city residence at Hiron Point today.
Later, he will be brought to Barisal Bangabandhu Udyan at noon for people to show last respects.
He will be laid to rest in his mother's grave in Barisal Muslim Graveyard tomorrow afternoon after the last namaz-e-janaza at Bangabandhu Udyan.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed profound shock at the death of Hiron, reports BSS.
Finance Minister AMA Muhith also mourned the death.

SHORT LIFE SKETCH
Born on October 15, 1956 in Patuakhali, Hiron joined Jatiya Party (Ershad) in 1986.
Later, he joined AL with his JP followers in 1997. He became Barisal city AL president in 2012.