Describing Tangail-7 lawmaker Akabbar Hossain as an honest and sincere politician, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday told Parliament that his demise is a huge loss for the party as well as for the country.

“Akabbar was one of those who had political wisdom, farsightedness, honesty, sincerity and ideology to lead the country particularly Awami League after our generation,” she said speaking on a condolence motion over the death of the sitting Awami League lawmaker.

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The PM said it is really very tough to accept the loss of an honest and sincere politician like him.

“But it is unfortunate for us we lost such an activist……..as it is essential to have sincerity and patriotism (among the political leaders) to make development of the country,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina said Akabbar had a very deep-rooted relation with the people and his constituency saw significant development during his tenures. “When he spoke, he did so politely. He was very calm and polite,” she said.

Recalling his contribution to every movement and struggle of the party, the AL president said his contribution to the party can never be forgotten.

She prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.

The prime minister said it is very unfortunate that some 20 MPs from the current parliament passed away since 2019. He remembered the lawmakers by name.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, Deputy Opposition Leader Ghulam Muhammed Quader, Opposition chief whip Mashiur Rahman Ranga, Awami League MPs Matia Chowdhury (Sherpur-2), Abdus Sobhan Miah (Madaripur-3), Benjir Ahmed (Dhaka-20), Choto Monir (Tangail-2) and Anwarul Abedin Khan (Mymensingh-9) also joined the the discussion.

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Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury moved the condolence motion in the House in the beginning of the day’s business.

A one-minute silence was observed and a munajat was offered seeking eternal peace for the departed soul.

Parliament unanimously adopted the condolence motion expressing profound shock at the death of the four-time lawmaker.

The day’s business of Parliament was adjourned after the adoption of the condolence motion.

Akabbar Hossain, 65, died at a city hospital on Tuesday.  He was the chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry.

Akabbar was born on July 12, 1956 at Postkamuri village in Mirzapur under Tangail district. He completed BSS and MSS degrees from Social Sciences in Dhaka University.