Former deputy minister and freedom fighter Abdul Hye passes away

Abdul Hye, a veteran politician from Munshiganj, former adviser to ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, former deputy minister and Bir Muktijoddha (valiant freedom fighter), has died. He breathed his last at his home in Dhaka at around 12:30am, in the night following Wednesday (October 15). He was 80 years old.

Shairul Kabir Khan, a member of the BNP media cell, confirmed his death. Abdul Hye is survived by his wife, two daughters, a son, and numerous relatives, political colleagues and admirers.

His first namaz-e-janaza (funeral prayer) is scheduled to be held today, Thursday, at 3pm at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (National Parliament Building). Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to attend. After a further janaza in Munshiganj, he will be buried in the family graveyard.

Abdul Hye played an important role in BNP politics for a long time. He was elected a Member of Parliament five times. He also served as Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, as a Panel Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad, and as president of the Munshiganj district BNP. He also served as an adviser to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

Abdul Hye was born on January 5, 1949, in Hosendi village of Gazaria upazila in Munshiganj. He was involved in politics from his student days. His journey as a public representative began in 1973, when he was elected chairman of the Panchasar Union Parishad.

He joined the BNP in 1978 and was elected an MP for the first time the following year, in 1979. He was subsequently elected an MP four more times, contributing to the development of his constituency and to national politics.

A pall of gloom has descended over the political arena of Munshiganj following his death. Political colleagues, party leaders and activists, and well-wishers are expressing their condolences.