Former home minister Sahara Khatun passes away

Sahara Khatun, former home minister and a presidium member of Awami League, breathed her last while undergoing treatment at Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand last night.

She was 77.

"She passed away at 11:25pm (local time) at Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok," according to sources at Awami League.

Earlier on Monday, Advocate Sahara Khatun was flown to Thailand for better treatment.

The lawmaker of Dhaka-18 constituency was released from Dhaka's United Hospital around 11:20 in the morning on the same day.

On June 2, she had been admitted to United Hospital in the capital's Gulshan area with allergy, fever and cold-related complications. Later she was shifted to the ICU on June 19 as her condition deteriorated.

Advocate Sahara Khatun was elected as lawmaker three times from Dhaka-18 constituency.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed her condolence at the demise of the veteran leader.

Expressing deep shock at the death of Sahara Khatun, PM said, "Sahara Khatun, a soldier of Bangabandhu's ideals, worked all her life for people's rights and for establishing democracy."

"I've lost a trusted co-fighter," the PM added.

Law Minister Anisul Huq also expressed condolence at the demise of Sahara Khatun.