JAGPA president Shafiul Alam Prodhan passes away

BNP led alliance National Democratic Party or Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA) President Safiul Alam Prodhan has passed away.

The party’s General Secretary Khandaker Lutfur Rahman informed bdnews24.com that Shafiul Alam Prodhan died in his house located at Dhaka's Asad Gate on Sunday at 7:30am. He was 67 years old.

"He was suffering from fever for two days. He was admitted to hospital several times for heart disease and various old age complications," Lutfur said.

A long time ally of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Shafiul Alam Prodhan started his political career by joining the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL). He was the general secretary of the Chhatra League from 1973-74.

The much-talked-about killing of seven students took place in Mohsin Hall on April 4, 1974. Four years after the murders, a court sentenced Shafiul Alam Prodhan, then general secretary of Chhatra League, and others to life in prison.

However, they all were released when General Ziaur Rahman came to power.

The BNP chairperson’s press wing member Sayrul Kabir Khan said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir condoled Prodhan’s death.

Shafiul Alam Prodhan was born in Panchagarh district in 1950. His father, Tamizuddin was the speaker of the East Pakistan Provincial Assembly. While studying social science at Dhaka University he got involved in politics.

He leaves behind  his wife Rehana Prodhan, a daughter Barrister Tahmia Prodhan and a son Rashed Prodhan.

The funeral prayers will be held after the Zuhr prayers in front of the party's Asad Gate office on Sunday, informed the JAGPA general secretary. He will be buried in the Bananai graveyard on Monday.