Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday joined a doa mahfil and Islamic discussion seeking eternal peace for the departed soul of former Bangladesh Navy chief Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan on the occasion of his 42nd death anniversary.

The programme, organised by Mahbub Ali's family, was held at Mahbub Bhaban in Dhanmondi after Maghrib prayers. It began with Quran Khwani and the recitation of Durood Sharif.

Several prominent Islamic scholars addressed the gathering, highlighting integrity, distinguished public service and contributions of Mahbub Ali, also Prime Minister’s father-in-law, to the nation.

Mahbub Ali’s family members, including his wife Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu, daughters Shahina Khan Zaman and Dr Zubaida Rahman, granddaughter Barrister Zaima Rahman and other close relatives, attended the doa mahfil.

Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia's younger brother Shamim Iskander, Syed Shafiuzzaman, the husband of Mahbub Ali's eldest daughter, and other relatives were also present.

The doa mahfil, held under a canopy in the courtyard of Mahbub Bhaban, was attended by acting Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal, Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Women and Children Affairs Minister Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu, Commerce, Industries, Jute and Textiles Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, MPs, senior military and civil officials, as well as BNP leaders and activists.

Earlier in the day, members of Mahbub Ali's family visited his grave at Banani Military Graveyard and offered prayers.

The Bangladesh Navy and several other organisations also paid tribute by placing wreaths at his grave.

Mahbub Ali became the chief of the Bangladesh Navy in 1979 and later served as a minister in the government of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

He died on August 6, 1984, and was laid to rest at the Banani Military Graveyard.