Retired Law and Justice Division secretary Abu Saleh Sheikh Mohammad Zahirul Haque has passed away.
He breathed his last while undergoing treatment for Covid-19 at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) at around 11:20pm on Wednesday.
Zahirul Haque was admitted to BSMMU on July 26 with symptoms of Covid-19. He had been receiving treatment there ever since.
He began his duties as the law secretary on February 2, 2015. After his retirement on August 8, 2016, the government canceled his post-retirement leave and appointed him as secretary of law and justice on a contractual basis for two years. After completing his two-year contract, he retired on August 8, 2019.
Zahirul Haque was born on August 6, 1956 in Shahjadpur upazila of Sirajganj district.
He is survived by his wife, two daughters and countless admirers.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of the former law secretary. She prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family.
Chief Justice of Bangladesh Syed Mahmud Hossain expressed profound sorrow over his passing extending his deepest condolences to the bereaved family.
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Haque also expressed profound grief over his death.
In his condolence message, the law minister sought forgiveness for the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.