Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Saturday condoled the death of former President A.Q.M Badruddoza Chowdhury, noting that he played a key role in democratic transition of the country in the 90s.

He said the nation has lost a distinguished public servant and a respected politician.

"I pray for the departed soul. May Allah grant him a beautiful place in Jannatul Firdaus," the Chief Adviser said in a condolence message.

In the message, he recalled Badruddoza Chowdhury’s long and widely respected career as a physician and a public servant.

Dr Badruddoza spread the message of well-being and sound health as an eminent doctor of the country. His Apnar Doctor programme at BTV was a must-watch show for millions of viewers, he said.

"He brought the same level of dedication when he joined politics. As five times member of parliament, he played a key role in democratic transition of the country in the 90s. His speeches in parliament were hailed by politicians of all persuasions," Prof Yunus said.

The Chief Adviser hoped his family members, relatives and friends would bear the loss. He has urged people to learn from his life and "dedicate themselves for the welfare of the people and democracy."

Former President and veteran politician Badruddoza Chowdhury passed away at a hospital in the capital early Saturday. He was 94.

B Chowdhury, who was admitted to Uttara Women’s Medical College Hospital on Wednesday with lung infection, breathed his last around 3:15 am, said his daughter Dr Shayla Chowdhury.

He is survived by his wife, one son, two daughters, and a host of relatives and well-wishers.

B Chowdhury will be buried at his family graveyard at Majidpur Dayhata in Munshiganj on Sunday, said his press secretary Jahangir Alam.

His first namaz-e-janaza was held at Uttara Women's Medical College and Hospital premises at 8:00 am on Saturday. The second janaza will be held at Baitul Atik Jame Mosque at Baridhara on Road 8 after Zohr prayers, the third one at Munshiganj stadium at 10 am on Sunday and the fourth one at his village home Majidpur Dayhata after Zohr prayers.