He was suffering from liver cirrhosis, said an official handout.

Taher, also an industrialist and the chairman of National Bank, left behind his wife, two sons and a daughter.

He was elected member of the Jatiya Sangsad from Comilla-7 (Barura) constituency.

President Iajuddin Ahmed expressed his deep shock at the death of Abu Taher.

In a condolence message, the president recalled his contribution to establishing parliamentary democracy in the country. He conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved family and prayed for salvation of the departed soul.

Prime Minister Khaleda Zia expressed her profound shock at the death of Abu Taher.

In a condolence message, the prime minister recalled his contribution to the anti-autocracy movement. She prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed her sympathy to the bereaved family.

Speaker Jamiruddin Sircar and Deputy Speaker Akhter Hamid Siddiqui also expressed deep shock at the death of the lawmaker.