Noor-e-Alam Ziku, one of the founders of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), passed away yesterday at the age of 72 at Shamarita Hospital in the city.
Ziku, a freedom fighter, had been suffering from paralysis for five years. He left behind two sons, one daughter and a host of relatives, admirers.
His first namaz-e-janaza was held on Ahsan Manjil premises yesterday after Johr prayers. His body has been kept at the Birdem mortuary. A second namaz-e-janaza will be held at Baitul Mukarram after Johr prayers today.
Ziku, a former member of parliament, will be laid to rest with full state honours at Mirpur Freedom Fighters Graveyard in the city after a third namaz-e-janaza at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad at 3:00pm today.
He led an eventful political life during his lifetime. He served as the vice president of East Pakistan Chhatra League central committee in 1960-1962 and played a pioneer's role in the movement for independence.
Ziku also played an effective role in organising students' movement after deserting Chhatra League in 1962. He actively participated in 1969 mass movement and 1970 election.
Ziku was a deputy leader of the Mujib Bahini southern command during the Liberation War and fought against occupying Pakistan forces in Khulna, Barishal, Faridpur, Pabna areas.
After independence, he got involved in forming the first opposition political party JSD and served as its organisational secretary, general secretary, executive president, and president at different times.
During his lifetime, Ziku was involved in cultural activities including producing and directing a number of films. He also founded Rabindra Smriti Rakkha Parishad and Lalon Lok Sahitya Sangsad in Kushtia.
In separate condolence messages, JSD President Hasanul Haq Inu, Jatio Shromik Jote-Bangladesh President Abdul Kader Hawladar prayed for peace and salvation of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.
Different political and social organisations expressed deep shock at his death.