Ex-state minister AKM Jahangir passes away

Former state minister for textiles and jute AKM Jahangir Hossain died at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University yesterday. He was 66.

Jahangir, who was also a former member of the parliament from Patuakhali-3 constituency, and his wife tested positive Covid-19 on December 2.

His body will be buried at their family graveyard in Patuakhali today.

Before burial, his body will be kept at his house in Mazar Road area of the capital's Gabtoli for people to pay their last respect to him.

Jahangir left behind his wife, son, daughter, a host of relatives and well-wishers to mourn his death.

He remained the Member of Parliament from his constituency for four times and became state minister for the Ministry of Textiles and Jute in 1998.

He was also a member of incumbent Awami League central executive committee. Between 1981 and 1983, he was the general secretary of Bangladesh Chhatra League.

President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Shekh Hasina and many others expressed their grief over the demise of their party colleague.

In a condolence message, President Hamid said Jahangir played a very courageous role in various democratic movements.

The prime minister, in her message, recalled the struggles and organisational skills of Jahangir.

A vacuum has been created in the political arena with the death of Jahangir, she said, adding that she prays for the salvation of the departed soul.

She also conveyed her deep sympathy to Jahangir's family.

Besides, AL General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, Law Minister Anisul Huq, Planning Minister MA Mannan, Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, and other ministers and AL leaders expressed their deep condolences over the death of Jahangir.