Tariqul, who had long been suffering from heart, kidney diseases, diabetic and old-age complications, breathed his last at 5:05pm at Apollo Hospital around 5:05pm, said BNP Chairperson’s media wing member Sayrul Kabir Khan.

He was admitted to the hospital on October 13 in a critical condition.

The BNP leader is survived by wife, two sons and a host of relatives and well-wishers to mourn his death.

Sayrul said Tariqul’s first namaz-e-janaza will be held in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office at 10am while the second one at the South Plaza of Parliament at 11:15am.

Later, his body will be flown to Jashore and his third janaza will be held at Jashore Eidgah ground after Asr prayers and then he will be buried at his family graveyard there.

Tariqul had long been inactive in party politics due to his illness. He last attended BNP standing committee members’ meeting in February this year before Khaleda was sent to jail in Zia Orphanage Trust graft case. 

He was elected MP for four times from Jashore and discharged as information and environment and forest minister during the BNP-led four-party government.

When BNP formed the government in 1991, Tariqul was first made social welfare minister and then post and telecommunication minister.

Born in Jashore in November, 1946, Tariqul was the first elected chairman of Jashore municipality.  

He involved with let party’s politics during his student life. He completed his graduation and post-graduation from Rajshahi University’s Economics department.

He joined BNP in 1978 during its founder Ziaur Rahman’s rule.

Jatiya Oikyafront chief Dr Kamal Hossain, BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, and secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed deep shock at his death.

Hearing the news of his demise, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and party leaders and activists rushed to the hospital.