Dhaka: The first namaz-e-janaza of Syed Ashraf was held at the South Plaza of the Jaitya Sangsad on Sunday morning.

The body of the veteran Awami League was taken to the Parliament complex from Combined Military Hospital (CMH) at 9:30 am, reports the UNB.

President Abdul Hamid, Deputy Speaker Md Fazle Rabbi Miah, Chief Whip ASM Firoz, Ministers, Awami League leaders and other politician from different parties, noted personalities and people from all strata of life participated in his namaz-e-janaza.

Syed Ashraful was given the ‘Guard of Honor’ after the janaza held at 10:34 am.

President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and Awami League leaders paid tribute by placing wreaths at his coffin.

Later, on behalf of Awami League, its President Sheikh Hasina, flanked by party leaders, paid last tribute by placing wreaths at his coffin.

Hundreds of thousands of his colleagues, supporters and well-wishers converged on the Parliament complex to pray for his departed soul.

Syed Ashraf, son of national leader and Bangabandhu’s close associate Syed Nazrul Islam, died of lung cancer at Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok around 9:45 pm on Thursday at the age of 67.

The body of Syed Ashraf was brought back home on Saturday evening.

An AL delegation, led by party general secretary Obaidul Quader, received the body of the AL former general secretary at the airport.

Later, Ashraf’s body will be taken to his home district Kishoreganj by a helicopter where his second janaza will be held at Sholakia Eidgaon Maidan at 12 noon. 

Then his body will be taken to Mymensingh where another janaza will be held at Anjuman Eidgah at 2 pm.

The mortal remains will be flown back to the capital from Mymensingh and the Awami League leader will be laid to eternal rest at Banani Graveyard after Asr prayers.

Syed Ashraf was elected MP from Kishoreganj-1 constituency five times – 1996, 2001, 2008, 2014 and 2018. In Sunday’s election, the AL leader came out successful from the parliamentary seat.

He, however, could not take oath on Thursday when all the Awami League MPs were sworn in. The AL leader submitted a letter to the Speaker on the day seeking time for taking the oath.