Jatiya Party (Z) chairman and former prime minister Kazi Zafar Ahmed passed away yesterday morning. He was 76.
He fell ill at his Gulshan residence while preparing to go to Chauddagram, Comilla around 7am. He was then taken to United Hospital where doctors declared him dead around 7:30am, said his personal secretary Golam Mostafa.
He is survived by wife, three daughters and a host of well-wishers.
Kazi Zafar’s first namaz-e-janaza will be held at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban this morning, and later his body will be taken to Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, where the second janaza will be held after Jumma prayers, Mostafa said.
Kazi Zafar, who earned reputation as a left student leader in the 1960s, served as commerce minister, deputy prime minister and finally prime minister in HM Ershad’s government in the 80s.
Jatiya Party (JaPa) Chairman HM Ershad sacked Zafar from his party on November 29, 2013 as he made “derogatory” remarks against the former military ruler over participating in the January 5 election. Later, he floated his party with Ghulam Moshi as its secretary general.
On January 25 last year, the Kazi Zafar-led faction joined the BNP-led 20-party alliance.
President Abdul Hamid has expressed deep shock at Kazi Zafar’s death. In a condolence message issued, the president prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved family members.
In a condolence message, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia also expressed deep shock at his death.