State Minister for Religious Affairs Sheikh Md Abdullah died at a hospital on Saturday night, minutes before he was taken there. He was 75.
Confirming the matter, his Assistant Personal Secretary (APS) Nazmul Hoque Saikat said: “He was being rushed to Dhaka Combined Military Hospital when he breathed his last around 11:45pm."
"The state minister died of old age complications. He has been suffering from various health complications, including diabetes,” he added.
This was the second emotional blow in a day for the ruling party leaders and activists as Awami League stalwart and former health minister Mohammed Nasim died at another hospital in Dhaka in the morning.
Born in September 1945 in Gopalganj, Abdullah served as the religious affairs secretary of ruling Awami League’s Central Executive Committee. He also acted as the representative of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, MP, in her electoral constituency of Gopalganj 3 (Kotalipara-Tungipara)
Abdullah was appointed as the state minister for religious affairs in January 2019, after Awami League returned to power for third consecutive term winning the last general election.
Meanwhile, President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep shock at his demise and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.
They also conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.
Soon after hearing the news, State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury had rushed to the CMH.
“Abdullah bhai [brother] passed away near the Jahangir Gate of the Dhaka Cantonment while being taken to CMH,” he told Dhaka Tribune at 1:20am Sunday.
Later, the duty doctor at the hospital collected his sample for the Covid-19 test, Khalid said, adding: “The result will be available on Sunday morning. Afterwards, the decision about his burial will be finalized.”
Abdullah is survived by two wives, 11 children and a host of relatives.
