Last respects paid to Prof Abul Kashem Fazlul Haq at Shaheed Minar

People from all walks of life paid their last respects to the country's prominent political thinker, writer, researcher, educationist and President of Bangla Academy Professor Abul Kashem Fazlul Haque.

His body was brought to the capital's central Shaheed Minar around 11 am on Monday. 

Later, people from different classes and professions, representatives of the literary and cultural arenas and various political and social organisations paid tribute to him.

After paying homage at the Central Shaheed Minar, his body was taken to the altar of Aparajeyo Bangla in front of the Dhaka University Art Faculty at around 12 noon. 

People from all walks of life got the opportunity to pay their respects there until 1 pm. 

After that, the second janaza was held at the Central Mosque of Dhaka University after Zohr prayers. Later, he will be buried at the Mirpur Shaheed Intellectual Graveyard.

Earlier, his body was taken to Bangla Academy at around 10:30 am on Monday. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury paid his respects there. 

Bangla Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Azam, along with officials and employees, paid tribute on behalf of the institution. 

Professor Abul Kashem Fazlul Haq was serving as the president of Bangla Academy.

Fazlul Haq died of a sudden heart attack on Sunday. He was 86.

His death cast a shadow of grief over the sky of country's education, literature and culture. 

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, former interim government chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, and BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir have expressed deep shock over the death of noted educationist. 

In addition, the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), National Citizen Party (NCP), Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal and Jatiya Kabita Parishad have issued separate condolence messages.