AL MP Hiron dies

Awami League lawmaker and former Barisal City Corporation mayor Showkat Hossain Hiron has died at a hospital in Dhaka.

He was 57.

Hiron died at the Apollo Hospital around 7:45am on Wednesday, Barisal Sadar Upazila Parishad Chairman Saidur Rahman Rintu told bdnews24.com.

The hospital authorities also confirmed the news.

The Barisal Sadar MP was on life support for the last few days.

File Photo

Ailing Hiron was admitted to the Apollo Hospital five days ago after he was brought back from Singapore.

Since then he was on life support.

On Mar 22, Hiron had a fall and suffered a head injury after a heart attack in the Barisal Club.

He was rushed to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital in Barisal.

From there, he was shifted to the Apollo Hospital.

He underwent a brain surgery the next day.

On Mar 24, Hiron was taken to Singapore.

The namaz-e-janaza (funeral prayer) of Hiron was held at the South Plaza of Parliament in the morning.

Cabinet members, MPs and the officials and employees of the Parliament Secretariat joined the janaza.

Prime Minister and Leader of the House Sheikh Hasina paid her tribute by placing wreaths on his coffin.

Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and Deputy Speaker M Fazley Rabbi Miah also placed wreaths on his coffin.

Deputy Leader of the House Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury also paid homage to Hiron by placing wreaths on his coffin.

Besides, Military Secretary Maj Gen Abul Hossain on behalf of the President, Chairman of Jatiya Party Hussein Muhammad Ershad on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition, whips on behalf of the chief whip and political leaders and cultural activists placed wreaths on Hiron's coffin.

President mourns Hiron’s death

President Abdul Hamid expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of Hiron.

In a condolence message, the President said the country lost a true patriot and a dedicated politician in his death.

President Hamid said that Hiron's role in the development of Barisal was unparalleled and his affection for the people of Barisal would always be remembered.

"The people of Barisal would remember him as an architect of development," he said.

The President prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to members of the bereaved family as well as millions of supporters, friends and well wishers of Hiron.

PM pays tribute

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, “Former mayor Hiron had turned the once neglected Barisal city into the Venice of the East by dint of his relentless effort. His role was evident in Barisal’s development.

“The residents of Barisal will remember him forever with deep respect and love,” she said.

Hasina expressed deep sympathy for the bereaved family.

Speaker, Deputy Speaker condole Hiron's death

Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Miah expressed deep shock at the death of the Awami League MP.

In a condolence message, the Speaker said, “Showkat Hossain worked for the well-being of the people till his death. He was a friend of the people in their good and bad times.

“The nation has lost a politician and social worker. His death is an irreparable loss to the country.”

In his message, the deputy speaker said, “Showkat Hossain was a popular politician. The nation has lost a real friend and social worker in his death.”

Miah prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathies for the bereaved family.

Hiron's funeral prayers will be held at the South Plaza of the Parliament Complex around 4pm on Wednesday.