Thousands of people from all walks of life have poured into the Army Stadium premises to pay their last respects to Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, founder of the world’s largest non-governmental organization (NGO) Brac.
Delegations on behalf of President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid their homage by placing wreaths on Sir Abed's coffin, while Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader paid the tribute on behalf of Awami League.
Sir Abed’s body was taken to the stadium around 10:25am on Sunday, our correspondent reported from the spot.
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Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R Miller, Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Miah, Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Atiqul Islam, among others, also paid tributes to Sir Abed.
All the people present there, including leaders and activists of various political, social, and cultural organizations, waited in long queues to pay him their last tributes, our correspondent reported. The queues extended towards the main gate of the Army Stadium,
Fazle Hasan Abed's four family members - his daughter Tamara Hasan Abed, son-in-law Asif Saleh, son Shameran Abed and Shameran’s wife were present at the venue.
Peopel pray after Brac founder and Chair Emeritus Sir Fazle Hasan Abed has been laid to eternal rest at the Banani Graveyard in Dhaka on December 22, 2019 | Mahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka Tribune
After paying their tributes people left heartfelt messages on a condolence book. At the same, various condolences messages were also read out at the site, that were sent from international organizations and institutions commemorating Sir Fazle Hasan Abed.
Sir Abed's janaza was held at the same location that began around 12:41pm. His son Shameran spoke on behalf of the family.
He said: "We are grateful to everyone for being by our side at this crucial moment. All his life, my father has worked for the betterment of people; please pray for him."
He also sought forgiveness for his father's departed soul.
Later, he will be laid to rest at the Banani graveyard in Dhaka, Brac Executive Director Asif Saleh and Brac International Executive Director Dr Muhammad Musa confirmed.
Brac founder and Chair Emeritus Sir Fazle Hasan Abed passed away at the Apollo Hospital in Dhaka, at the age of 83.
He breathed his last at 8:28pm on Friday while undergoing treatment for cerebral tumour, said a statement issued by Ameerah Haq, chair of Brac Global Board.
Sir Abed is survived by his wife, a daughter, a son and grandchildren.
