Mahmudul Islam was true officer of court

Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha and eminent jurists yesterday deeply mourned the demise of renowned lawyer and constitution expert Mahmudul Islam.

"His death is an irrecoverable loss to the legal arena and Bangladesh's judiciary. The nation has lost one of the most accomplished legal experts," he said in a condolence message.

Former attorney general Mahmudul Islam passed away at the United Hospital in Dhaka early yesterday at the age of 79.

"The entire Supreme Court family is deeply saddened," Justice Sinha said. He said the country's legal system had been enriched with Islam's research based publications on constitutional laws, interpretation of laws and policy of their enforcement, and civil laws.

"His relentless and unique contributions to the defence of human rights and establishment of the rule of law will serve as guidelines for future generations," he added.

As a lawyer, he will be remembered by justice-seekers, Sinha said.

In a separate statement, former chief justice ATM Afzal said, "I deeply mourn the passing away of Mahmudul Islam, an outstanding lawyer and scholar of our time. I always looked forward to his appearances in court. He was always a great help and truly an officer of the court. Loss to the profession is irreparable. My sincere condolence to the bereaved family. May Allah grant him peace and mercy."

Supreme Court Bar Association President Khandker Mahbub Hossain and Secretary AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Bangladesh Bar Council Chairman and Attorney General Mahbubey Alam and Vice Chairman Abdul Baset Majumder also mourned his death.  

The body of Mahmudul Islam will be brought to the Supreme Court premises at 1:15pm today for namaz-e-janaza, and he will be buried at his home town Rangpur, Manzur-al-Matin, a junior assistant of the late lawyer, told The Daily Star.