Members of Parliament from both the treasury and opposition benches on Sunday paid glowing tributes to former Speaker Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar, recalling his successful and illustrious career as a lawyer, parliamentarian, minister, speaker and the acting president.
Following a discussion on his workful life and contributions, lawmakers observed a one-minute silence in his memory.
A special prayer was offered for the eternal peace of his departed soul, after which Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed adjourned the House for the rest of the day as a mark of respect.
Taking part in the discussion, LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Jamiruddin Sircar was a very popular public figure among the people of his constituency and north Bengal despite it being one of the country's poorest regions.
"He was never defeated in any election and remained a guardian to his people," he said,
Fakhrul said Sircar was not only popular in North Bengal but also in the national arena.
He said Sircar discharged every responsibility throughout his life with sincerity and dedication.
He praised the late leader's unwavering commitment to the rule of law, democracy and liberal politics, saying Sircar's vast knowledge of history, literature and law made him a role model for future generations.
Recalling his advice, Fakhrul said Sircar always believed democracy could only flourish through elections.
Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman remembered Sircar as an accomplished lawyer and politician who had stood beside his party Jamaat-e-Islami during difficult times.
He said Sircar repeatedly represented Jamaat leaders in court during what he described as the "fascist era" without accepting any legal fees.
"Whenever we tried to pay him, he would refuse, saying it was his moral duty and a privilege to stand by us," Shafiqur said, becoming emotional as he recalled Sircar's contributions.
He also praised Sircar's tenure as Speaker, saying he had kept Parliament vibrant and had served as a mentor to many in the legal profession.
Home Minister Salauddin Ahmed said Sircar excelled in every role he held—as a lawyer, MP, Minister, Speaker and former (acting) President.
“He is such a successful person who would remain an inspiration for us in the future,” he said.
"My entire professional life is almost equal to the span of his career, yet I have never heard any criticism of his integrity as a lawyer or from any of his clients," he said.
Senior BNP lawmaker Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain described Sircar as a successful lawyer and politician who had made significant contributions under the leadership of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
He said Sircar also rendered outstanding service as Speaker of Parliament.
Opposition Jamaat lawmaker Barrister Nazibur Rahman recalled Sircar had successfully handled the challenges of presiding over the 8th Parliament after being elected Speaker in 2001.
“He was elected Speaker of the 8th Parliament in 2001. It was a very challenging time to serve. Especially since a fascist party was in the opposition. We saw that he discharged that responsibility with great competence and calmness,” he said.
He noted that Sircar had practised in the Supreme Court for 66 years and authored 12 books, setting an example for both lawyers and politicians.
Treasury bench lawmaker Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon said Sircar's reputation in the legal profession had led former President Ziaur Rahman to appoint him as a member of Bangladesh's delegation to the UN General Assembly five times between 1977 and 1981.
NCP lawmaker Akhtar Hossen said Sircar's ideals and lifelong contributions should be preserved as a positive example for meeting public aspirations and building a better Bangladesh.
Lawmakers from both sides of the House also expressed condolences to Sircar's bereaved family and prayed for the salvation of his soul.
Concluding the discussion, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said the nation had lost an eminent jurist and a man of exceptional integrity.
"Listening to your speeches has deeply moved me. I had the opportunity to serve with him in Parliament,” he said admiring the way he conducted the House with dignity and wisdom.
The Speaker described Sircar as an eminent lawyer and a close associate of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, adding that he had never heard anyone speak ill of him.
"The nation has lost a great son," the Speaker said.
The special prayer was conducted by BNP lawmaker Qamruzzaman Ratan (Munshiganj-3).
Earlier, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmud raised the matter on a point of order, urging the House to suspend all other business in honour of the late former Speaker.
He said that in the past, whenever a former Speaker died while Parliament was in session, lawmakers from both sides of the House discussed a condolence motion before adjourning the sitting as a gesture of respect.
Responding, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said it had long been the practice to adjourn Parliament immediately upon the death of a sitting MP or Speaker, but the House had never previously faced the death of a sitting Speaker during an ongoing session.
"We will hold a discussion in his memory and then adjourn the House for the remainder of the day," he said.
Former acting President and Speaker of Parliament Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar passed away early Sunday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in the capital. He was 95.
His son Muhammad Naushad Jamir is also a BNP lawmaker from Panchagarh-1 constituency in the current 13th parliament