Dhaka, Feb 4 (bdnews24.com)—One of the prominent leaders of the Liberation War and veteran politician Saifuddin Ahmed Manik was buried at the Martyred Intellectuals' Graveyard in Mirpur at 3 pm Monday.

The final namaz-e-janaza was held at the national Eidgah after prayers Monday afternoon. Imam of the High Court mazaar mosque Hafez Maulana Ashraful Haque led the prayers.

Manik was earlier accorded national honours at the Central Shahid Minar Monday morning. Family members and close relatives were present at the Minar throughout the ceremony.

Wife Fawzia Muslem Manik said: "My husband struggled for the wellbeing of the people. His heart was always with the downtrodden."

Many of Manik's comrades and party workers were seen shedding tears at the Minar while they saluted their hero for the last time.

Gano Forum president Kamal Hossain told reporters: "Saifuddin Ahmed Manik played a vital role in handling the issues of discord in our political arena, usually emerging as a victor."

"He will be remembered for his contributions in all the student-political movements launched in the 1960s."

People from all walks of life paid tribute to the veteran politician at the Minar.

Awami League's Amir Hossain Amu and Tofail Ahmed, BNP's MK Anwar, CPB's Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul, Workers Party leader Rashed Khan Menon, JSD's Hasanul Huq Inu were among those paying last respects to a fellow political veteran.

Manik's close associate during the 1969 movement, AL presidium member Tofail said: "The late comrade was a hero of the 1969 mass upheaval. His absence will be an irreparable loss to all."

Mujahidul Islam Selim of the Communist Party of Bangladesh said: "Manik Bhai loved everybody, irrespective of their caste and creed."

"A great leader of students and progressive groups, he was equally interested in sports, games and cultural activities."

Hasanul Huq Inu said: "Manik Bhai created a new chapter in our political history by his relentless role as a moderator in all the moments of crises, effecting the necessary equilibrium."

Manik's coffin, draped in a national flag, was brought to the Minar at around 11:20 am from the BIRDEM morgue. A smartly turned out contingent of police led by deputy commissioner Syed Muktar Ahmed saluted the Liberation War leader. The guard of honour was accompanied by buglers.

The coffin was taken from Central Shahid Minar to the national Eidgah at 1 pm for a last namaz-e-janaza, before going on to the final resting place.

Manik's body was lowered to the grave at Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals graveyard a with only family members, Kamal Hossain, Manzurul Ahsan Khan and Sadeque Hossain Khoka present.

Manik's brother Shahiduddin Ahmed told journalists, a Qulkhwani will be held at his Ram Krishna Mission Road residence after asr prayers on Feb 8, while Gano Forum leaders said a citizen's memorial meeting would be held at the Central Shahid Minar at 3 pm the following day.

Manik, aged 69, died of lung cancer Sunday morning at Comfort Hospital.

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