Jatiya Party secretary-general Ziauddin Ahmed Bablu passed away at a city hospital on Saturday. He was 66. Bablu breathed his last around 9:12am while undergoing treatment for Covid-19 infection at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital, party chairman's deputy press secretary Khandaker Deloar Jalali told UNB. Bablu, also a former minister, is survived by his son and second wife. His first wife Farida Sarkar died of cancer in 2005. His namaz-e-janaza was held at Gulshan Azad mosque after Esha prayers. Bablu was laid to eternal rest at Martyred Intellectuals' Graveyard in the capital’s Mirpur area. Earlier, his body was kept at the party's Kakrail central office from 1pm to 4 pm enabling the people of all walks of life to show their last respect to him. On September 7, Bablu was admitted to Labaid Specialised Hospital in the capital’s Dhanmondi area with Covid-19 symptoms. Later, he was shifted to Bangladesh Specialized Hospital as his condition deteriorated. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep shock and sorrow at the demise of the Jatiya Party secretary general. She prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed soul and expressed condolences to the bereaved family. READ: Veteran journalist Hamiduzzaman Robi no more Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen expressed deep shock at the death of Bablu and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family. Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader also expressed deep shock at the demise of Bablu. In a condolence message, GM Quader said, “Bablu was a leader of people and he worked for the welfare of people. He was one of the brightest stars in the political arena. Bablu will remain alive in people’s hearts for his welfare activities.” Born in 1954 in Chattogram, Bablu completed his graduation and post-graduation at Dhaka University’s English department. He was active in politics from his student life and he served Dhaka University Central Students Union (DUCSU) as its general secretary. Bablu formally joined Jatiya Party in the 80s and served gradually as a deputy minister, state minister and full minister in the cabinet of military ruler HM Ershad. He was elected MP for the first time in 1988 from Chattogram-7 seat and he also became MP for the second time in 2014 from Chattogram-9 constituency with Jatiya Party’s ticket. In April 2014, then Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad appointed Bablu the party secretary general, sacking Ruhul Amin Hawlader. READ: Veteran cricket coach Jalal Chowdhury departs On January 19, 2016, Ershad removed Bablu from the post of the party secretary general and replaced him with Ruhul Amin Hawlader. After the death of Ershad, his younger brother and party chairman GM Quader again made Bablu the party secretary general removing Moshiur Rahman Ranga from the post. Meanwhile, Jatiya Party announced a three-day mourning period beginning today (Saturday) in memory of Bablu. The party will also hold a condolence meeting on Sunday at its central office recalling Bablu’s contributions to the party.

A local Jatiya Party leader returning home in a rickshaw was brutally attacked by three bike-borne assailants at Amtala Mor on Sher-e-Bangla Road in Khulna on Wednesday night. Ershaduzzaman Dollar, general secretary of the Khulna branch of Jatiya Jubo Sanghati, is currently being treated at Khulna Medical College and Hospital. Read:Ex-BCL leader killed in Gaibandha Moniruzzaman Elu, brother of the injured, said the politician was attacked while he was returning home in a rickshaw. "When the rickshaw reached Amtala Mor, the three bike-borne men intercepted him and one of them attacked Dollar in the head with a sharp weapon. They fled seeing local residents rushing to Dollar's rescue," he said. Read:Injured AL politician dies on way to Dhaka hospital The local residents soon took Dollar to Khulna City Medical College Hospital. After first aid, he was shifted to Khulna Medical College and Hospital. No action has been taken yet in this regard, said Elu.

Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader has tested positive for coronavirus or Covid-19, but he has no complication.