Bangladesh is mourning the loss of veteran politician, eminent lawyer and former Acting President Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar, who died in Dhaka in the early hours of Sunday at the age of 94.
Widely regarded as one of the country's most experienced parliamentarians, Sircar's death has prompted tributes from political leaders, government officials and members of the judiciary, who praised his decades of service to the nation.
According to official sources, Barrister Sircar passed away at a private hospital in the capital at around 4:19 am. His Namaz-e-Janaza was scheduled to be held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad before his burial at the designated parliamentary graveyard.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin conveyed his condolences, describing Sircar's passing as a major loss for both the nation and Bangladesh's political arena. The President said his contributions to parliamentary democracy and public life would be remembered with lasting respect.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also expressed profound sorrow over the death of the veteran statesman, describing him as a wise, honest and dedicated public servant whose contributions would be remembered for generations. In a condolence message, the Prime Minister said Sircar had devoted his long political career to serving the country with integrity, wisdom and a deep sense of responsibility.
The Prime Minister highlighted Sircar's role in strengthening democratic institutions and parliamentary practices, noting that he had served in several key ministerial positions, including Education Minister and State Minister for Land, Foreign Affairs, and Housing and Public Works. He also said Sircar remained committed to the ideals of democracy, nationalism and the rights of the people throughout his political life, despite facing difficult periods and political challenges.
Referring to Bangladesh's pro-democracy movement, Tarique Rahman said Sircar had played a significant role in efforts to restore democratic governance, voting rights and fundamental freedoms. He described the veteran politician's death as an irreparable loss to the nation and extended condolences to his family, colleagues and supporters.
Tributes also came from senior members of the government and parliament. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed praised Sircar as a distinguished lawyer, accomplished parliamentarian and respected political leader whose career reflected integrity, patriotism and commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury described Sircar as one of the most respected figures in the history of Bangladesh's parliamentary democracy. He said Sircar's impartial leadership as Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad and his contributions to the legal profession would remain an enduring part of the country's political history.
Posts, Telecommunications, Information Technology, and Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam said Sircar had made lasting contributions to parliamentary democracy, political development and public welfare while serving in several important constitutional positions. He described his death as an irreparable loss to the country's political landscape.
Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam also paid tribute, saying Sircar carried out his responsibilities as Speaker with wisdom, fairness and professionalism, helping to strengthen parliamentary institutions during his tenure.
The judiciary joined the nation in mourning. Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the Supreme Court and announced that proceedings in both the Appellate Division and High Court Division would remain suspended for part of the day as a mark of respect. The Chamber Court was also closed.
Born on 1 December 1931 in Tentulia of Panchagarh district, Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar studied at the University of Dhaka before qualifying as a Barrister-at-Law from Lincoln's Inn in London. Upon returning to Bangladesh, he established himself as one of the country's leading constitutional lawyers at the Supreme Court.
During a distinguished public career spanning several decades, Sircar served as Speaker of the Eighth Jatiya Sangsad from 2001 to 2009 and later became Acting President of Bangladesh. He also held several important ministerial portfolios, including Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs; Education; Housing and Public Works; Foreign Affairs; and Land.
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury described Sircar as a distinguished constitutional expert whose contributions extended beyond politics to the legal profession. He also recalled Sircar's role during the Liberation War and his long association with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as one of its founding leaders and a member of its National Standing Committee.
Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar is survived by one daughter and two sons. His son, Barrister Muhammad Nawshad Zamir, currently serves as a Member of Parliament representing Panchagarh-1.
With his passing, Bangladesh has lost one of its most experienced legal minds and parliamentary leaders. His decades of service across the judiciary, legislature and executive branch leave behind a legacy that will continue to be remembered in the country's democratic and constitutional history.
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