United News of Bangladesh

Members of Parliament from both the treasury and opposition benches on Sunday paid glowing tributes to former Speaker Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar, recalling his successful and illustrious career as a lawyer, parliamentarian, minister, speaker and the acting president. Following a discussion on his workful life and contributions, lawmakers observed a one-minute silence in his memory.  A special prayer was offered for the eternal peace of his departed soul, after which Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed adjourned the House for the rest of the day as a mark of respect. Taking part in the discussion, LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Jamiruddin Sircar was a very popular public figure among the people of his constituency and north Bengal despite it being one of the country's poorest regions. "He was never defeated in any election and remained a guardian to his people," he said, Fakhrul said Sircar was not only popular in North Bengal but also in the national arena. He said Sircar discharged every responsibility throughout his life with sincerity and dedication. He praised the late leader's unwavering commitment to the rule of law, democracy and liberal politics, saying Sircar's vast knowledge of history, literature and law made him a role model for future generations. Recalling his advice, Fakhrul said Sircar always believed democracy could only flourish through elections. Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman remembered Sircar as an accomplished lawyer and politician who had stood beside his party Jamaat-e-Islami during difficult times. He said Sircar repeatedly represented Jamaat leaders in court during what he described as the "fascist era" without accepting any legal fees. "Whenever we tried to pay him, he would refuse, saying it was his moral duty and a privilege to stand by us," Shafiqur said, becoming emotional as he recalled Sircar's contributions. He also praised Sircar's tenure as Speaker, saying he had kept Parliament vibrant and had served as a mentor to many in the legal profession. Home Minister Salauddin Ahmed said Sircar excelled in every role he held—as a lawyer, MP, Minister, Speaker and former (acting) President. “He is such a successful person who would remain an inspiration for us in the future,” he said.  "My entire professional life is almost equal to the span of his career, yet I have never heard any criticism of his integrity as a lawyer or from any of his clients," he said. Senior BNP lawmaker Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain described Sircar as a successful lawyer and politician who had made significant contributions under the leadership of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. He said Sircar also rendered outstanding service as Speaker of Parliament. Opposition Jamaat lawmaker Barrister Nazibur Rahman recalled Sircar had successfully handled the challenges of presiding over the 8th Parliament after being elected Speaker in 2001. “He was elected Speaker of the 8th Parliament in 2001. It was a very challenging time to serve. Especially since a fascist party was in the opposition. We saw that he discharged that responsibility with great competence and calmness,” he said.  He noted that Sircar had practised in the Supreme Court for 66 years and authored 12 books, setting an example for both lawyers and politicians. Treasury bench lawmaker Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon said Sircar's reputation in the legal profession had led former President Ziaur Rahman to appoint him as a member of Bangladesh's delegation to the UN General Assembly five times between 1977 and 1981. NCP lawmaker Akhtar Hossen said Sircar's ideals and lifelong contributions should be preserved as a positive example for meeting public aspirations and building a better Bangladesh. Lawmakers from both sides of the House also expressed condolences to Sircar's bereaved family and prayed for the salvation of his soul. Concluding the discussion, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said the nation had lost an eminent jurist and a man of exceptional integrity. "Listening to your speeches has deeply moved me. I had the opportunity to serve with him in Parliament,” he said admiring the way he conducted the House with dignity and wisdom. The Speaker described Sircar as an eminent lawyer and a close associate of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, adding that he had never heard anyone speak ill of him. "The nation has lost a great son," the Speaker said. The special prayer was conducted by BNP lawmaker Qamruzzaman Ratan (Munshiganj-3). Earlier, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmud raised the matter on a point of order, urging the House to suspend all other business in honour of the late former Speaker. He said that in the past, whenever a former Speaker died while Parliament was in session, lawmakers from both sides of the House discussed a condolence motion before adjourning the sitting as a gesture of respect. Responding, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said it had long been the practice to adjourn Parliament immediately upon the death of a sitting MP or Speaker, but the House had never previously faced the death of a sitting Speaker during an ongoing session. "We will hold a discussion in his memory and then adjourn the House for the remainder of the day," he said. Former acting President and Speaker of Parliament Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar passed away early Sunday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in the capital. He was 95. His son Muhammad Naushad Jamir is also a BNP lawmaker from Panchagarh-1 constituency in the current 13th parliament

Former Acting President, former Speaker of Parliament and BNP Standing Committee member Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar was laid to rest at the Parliament graveyard following his namaz-e-janaza at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Sunday. Sircar was buried with state honours after the second janaza held following Asr prayers inside the entrance tunnel of the Parliament complex, as inclement weather forced the venue to be shifted from the South Plaza. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman joined the janaza along with cabinet members, lawmakers, senior political leaders, government officials and members of Sircar's family. Following the janaza, a wreath was first placed on Sircar's coffin on behalf of President Mohammed Shahabuddin by his Military Secretary Major General ASM Bahauddin. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman then paid his last respects by placing a wreath on the coffin.  He also laid another wreath on behalf of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), accompanied by party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other senior party leaders. Speaker Major (Retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram, Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni and other whips, as well as officials of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat, also paid their respects by placing wreaths. After the wreath-laying ceremony, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Opposition Leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman, and Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni recalled Sircar's long political career and his contributions to the country and Parliament. Earlier in the day, Parliament expressed profound grief over Sircar's death.  Lawmakers from both the treasury and opposition benches paid tribute to the veteran politician, followed by a one-minute silence and special prayers for the eternal peace of his departed soul. The second janaza was attended by Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, cabinet members, lawmakers, senior government officials, Parliament Secretariat officials and Sircar's family members, including his eldest son, Barrister Naoshad Jamir. Earlier, the first janaza of the veteran politician was held after Zuhr prayers at Taqwa Mosque in Dhanmondi. The Prime Minister said he had served the country with integrity, wisdom and a strong sense of responsibility throughout his long political career.  Tarique Rahman said the nation will remember with deep respect his contributions to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting parliamentary practices and serving the people. BNP on Sunday announced a nationwide mourning programme for Monday following his death. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the programme at a press conference at the party's Nayapaltan central office. "The BNP has announced a one-day mourning programme following the death of Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar. A nationwide day of mourning will be observed on Monday," he said. As part of the programme, black flags will be hoisted at BNP offices across the country and party leaders and activists will wear black badges. Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar passed away at 4:18am on Sunday while undergoing treatment at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital in the capital. A founding member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Sircar served as Speaker of the Eighth Jatiya Sangsad and as Acting President from June 21 to September 6, 2002, following the resignation of then President Professor AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury. During his long political career, he held several key ministerial portfolios, including housing and public works, foreign affairs, land, education, science and technology, and law. He was also widely respected as a Supreme Court lawyer for his contribution to constitutional law, parliamentary practice and democratic politics. He is survived by a daughter, Nilufar Jamir, and two sons, Barrister Naoshad Jamir, MP, and Naufel Jamir. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Jamiruddin Sircar. In a condolence message, he described Jamiruddin Sircar, former acting President and Speaker, Language Movement hero and member of the BNP National Standing Committee, as a wise, honest and dedicated personality.