Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today joined the namaz-e-janaza of noted educationist Professor Dilara Hafiz at the south plaza of the Sangsad Bhaban here.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Prime Minister participated in the funeral prayer for Dilara Hafiz, who was the wife of Jatiya Sangsad (JS) speaker Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram. The prayer took place at 12 noon, as confirmed by a PMO press release. The ceremony was led by Hafez Qaari Mufti Md Abu Raihan, the Pesh Imam of the Parliament Secretariat Mosque.
Before the janaza, Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal shared a brief biography of the late Dilara Hafiz. During the occasion, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, with a voice choked with emotion, reminisced about his 56-year marriage to Dilara, emphasizing her significant contributions as a teacher and administrator. He also mentioned the warmth and affection extended to them by former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
Several dignitaries, including Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, LGRD minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, also addressed the gathering. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, representatives on behalf of the President, BNP leaders, and government officials paid their final respects to Dilara Hafiz following the janaza.
A special prayer was held, seeking eternal peace for her departed soul. Following the ceremony, Dilara Hafiz was laid to rest at the Banani Military Cemetery after a second janaza.
The event saw the attendance of cabinet members, senior BNP leaders, opposition leaders, senior officials of the JS Secretariat, a wide section of people, and numerous attendees from Bhola-3 constituency. Dilara Hafiz, former Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) and Principal of Eden Mohila College, passed away in Singapore on March 28 while receiving treatment.