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Dhaka, Feb 12 (BDNEWS) - Monem Munna, one of the finest footballers the country has produced, is no more.
The former national captain died at the age of 39 at Bangladesh Medical College Hospital Saturday morning. He was fighting for his life at the hospital since January 26 following kidney failure.
Since Munna was admitted to the hospital, he was either in coma or semi-coma state. He had a kidney transplant in March 2000 after both of his kidneys were damaged.
Munna left behind his wife Yasmin Monem Surovi, one daughter Eusra Monem Dania (9) and son Azman Salid (6) and a host of relatives, and innumerable fans across the country to mourn his death.
The former Abahani captain was also the sports affairs secretary of Juba League, the youth front of the main opposition Awami League.
AL President and Leader of the Opposition Sheikh Hasina was among the hundreds of people who came to Abahani Club to pay respect to the footballer who enthralled spectators during his golden time.
Awami League General Secretary Abdul Jalil, eminent sports organiser Saber Hossain Chowdhury, former sports minister Obaidul Qader, sports secretary of Awami League Dewan Shafiul Arefin Tutul, Juba League president Jahangir Kabir Nanak were also present.
The first namaz-e-janaza of Munna was held at 2pm at the Abahani Club ground. President of Abahani Ltd Salman F Rahman, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Director of Abahani Ltd Harun-Or-Rashid were present along with a huge crowd.
After his janaza officials of Abahani Ltd, Abahani Supporters Union, Abahani Players' Association, Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association, Mohammedan Sporting Club and Combined Sports Family placed floral wreaths at the coffin to pay their homage to Munna.
Munna's coffin, wrapped in sky-blue Abahani flag was taken to Awami League office where a second janaza was held. Central AL leaders Amir Hossain Amu, Abdur Razzak, Tofail Ahmed and Abdul Jalil attended the janaza.
After his janaza, Banladesh Awami League, Chattra League, Krishak League, Juba League, Swechhasebak League, Mohila Awami League and Jubo Mohila League placed floral wreaths on the coffin.
Then his body was taken to Bangabandhu National Stadium, the ground from where he had emerged as a superstar in the country's football.
His third janaza was held at the BNS. Among others, Mayor Sadek Hossain Khoka, State Minister for Sports Fazlur Rahman, BFF president SA Sultan MP and general secretary Anwarul Haq Helal, BCB advisor Mahbub Anam and chief selector Faruque Ahmed attended the janaza.
A number of current and former footballers, including Zakaria Pintu joined the janaza. Also cricketers joined.
Bangladesh Cricket Board, Sylhet Divisional team, Bangladesh Sports Journalist Association, Cricketers welfare Association, Sheikh Russel KC, Bangladesh Football Federation, South Asian Football Federation, NSC SramiK Dal placed wreaths on his coffin.
After fourth janaza at Sonali Atit Club, a club of the former footballers, his body was taken to his hometown Narayanganj. His body was kept in front of AL office. AL leaders, including Nazma Rahman and hundreds of people paid their respect to late Munna.
After another janaza at the ground of Sirajuddowlah Club, Munna's first club, he was laid to rest besides his grandfather and grandmother at the family graveyard.
The qulkhwani of Munna will be held at his father's residence at 64, HM Sen road, Bandar, Narayanganj Wednesday.
Abahani Ltd has opened a condolence book for Munna. The club will also hold a milad mahfil at the club premises on Thursday.
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