Deputy Speaker Advocate Md Fazle Rabbi Miah has passed away in New York while undergoing treatment there. He was 76.
The valiant freedom fighter fought against the Pakistan Army in Sector 11 during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971.
Fazle Rabbi, a lawmaker from Gaibandha-5, left behind his three daughters, a host of relatives and well-wishers to mourn his death. His wife Anwara Rabbi passed away in May 2020.
Nazmul Hasan, acting Consul General at Consulate General of Bangladesh in New York quoting Deputy Speaker's APS told UNB that Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Miah breathed his last on 22 July 2022 at 3:55pm (NY Time) at Mt Sinai Hospital, New York.
"We are in touch with his family members and relatives in New York," he said, adding that necessary formalities need to be completed to repatriate his remains.
Nazmul said they are expecting all documents to be ready by noon tomorrow and to get a flight in the evening.
He was a reputed organiser and contributed much to creating public opinion in favour of the Liberation War abroad.
Advocate Fazle Rabbi was born on April 16 in 1946 and was the founding Secretary of Gaibandha Law College from 1979 to 86.
He was also an elected Secretary of Gaibandha BAR from 1978-79.
Advocate Fazle Rabbi was Chairperson of Bangladesh Association for Voluntary Sterilization (BAVS), Gaibandha from 1980 to 81.
He founded a good number of schools, colleges and madrasas in his constituency.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina mourns
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the demise of Deputy Speaker Md Fazle Rabbi Miah.
In her condolence message, Hasina said that Fazle Rabbi was involved in the anti-Ayub movement and 1962's anti-education commission movement from student life.
"He will be remembered for his outstanding role in parliamentary democracy," the PM said.
Hasina prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family.
Advocate Fazle Rabbi's first Namaaz-e-Janaja will be held after the Zohr prayer on Saturday (July 23) at Jamaica Muslim Center in New York.
