Jamir Uddin Sarkar Laid to Rest on Parliament Grounds
Collected Photo
Former Acting President, former Speaker of Parliament, and BNP Standing Committee member Barrister jamir Uddin Sarkar was laid to rest on the grounds of the National Parliament House. Following two funeral prayers, he was buried with state honors in the presence of senior BNP leaders at the designated burial site on the Parliament grounds on Sunday afternoon.
Earlier, Parliament adopted a condolence motion following his death. MPs from both the government and opposition recalled his distinguished public service. The House then observed a one-minute silence and offered prayers for the departed.
Jamir Uddin Sarkar died at around 4:15 am on Sunday while undergoing treatment at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital in the capital's Shyamoli area. He had been suffering from various age-related health complications for a long time. He was 94. He is survived by two sons, one daughter, grandchildren, and numerous admirers.
Prime Minister Attends Funeral Prayer
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended Sarkar's funeral prayer at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Due to inclement weather, the prayer was held inside the Parliament's main entrance tunnel instead of the South Plaza.
Following the funeral prayer, President Mohammed Shahabuddin's Military Secretary, Major General ASM Bahuddin, placed a wreath on behalf of the president. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman then paid his respects. He also laid a wreath on behalf of the BNP. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other senior party leaders were present.
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, other whips, and officials of the Parliament Secretariat also paid tribute.
Later, the Speaker, the BNP secretary general, the leader of the opposition, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, and the chief whip delivered brief remarks, recalling Sarkar's contributions and public service.
BNP Announces Day of Mourning
The BNP will observe a nationwide day of mourning on Monday following Sarkar's death. The party will fly black flags at its offices across the country, including those of Dhaka North and South units. Party leaders and activists will also wear black badges.
Supreme Court Declares Half-Day Closure
The Appellate Division and the High Court Division of the Supreme Court remained closed during the second half of Sunday in honor of Sarkar. The Appellate Division's Chamber Court also suspended its proceedings.
President, Prime Minister Express Condolences
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed deep sorrow over Sarkar's death. In separate condolence messages, they prayed for the eternal peace of his soul and conveyed sympathy to his bereaved family.
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Chowdhury, Attorney General Ruhul Quddus Kajal, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, and leaders of various political parties also expressed condolences.
Distinguished Political Career
After the BNP came to power in 2001, Jamir Uddin Sarkar served as Speaker of the Eighth National Parliament. Following the resignation of then-President AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury in 2002, he served as Bangladesh's acting president from June 21 to Sept. 6.
He was born on Dec. 1, 1931, in Nayabari village of Tetulia upazila in Panchagarh. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees in history from the University of Dhaka before obtaining an LLB degree. He later qualified as a Barrister-at-Law from Lincoln's Inn in London.
During the 1971 Liberation War, Sarkar was among the lawyers who actively supported Bangladesh's independence. He later joined JAGODAL, founded by Ziaur Rahman. After the BNP was established, he became a member of its Standing Committee and remained in that position until his death.
