Trade bodies, leading chambers and professional bodies of the country have expressed their profound shock and condolence with the death of former finance minister AMA Muhith.
Citing that the country has lost an acclaimed economist, diplomat, language veteran and freedom fighter, they said Muhith has propelled the country’s economy to a newer height under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
In a condolence message, President of the apex trade body, Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) said Muhith played an important role in laying a strong foundation of the country’s economy during his tenure as finance minister.
The condolences and tributes have been pouring in from all quarters. Muhith, 88, breathed his last, in his sleep around 12:56am today at the United Hospital in Dhaka
People, from different professions irrespective of political affiliation including diplomats, expressed their deep shock and sorrow and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.
In a separate message, President of Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA), Prof. Dr. Abul Barakat has expressed condolence with the sad demise of Muhith on behalf of the BEA, the country's top professional bodies in the economic field.
Barakat said Muhith was the life time member of the Economic Association.
"The BEA is praying for the salvation of the departed soul of former Finance Minister and expressing consoles to the members of the bereaved family"
First Vice President of Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exprers Association (BGMEA), Sued Nazrul Islam, o behalf of the BGMEA expressed condolence with the death of Muhith.
The message mentioned that Muhith is one of the country’s longest-serving finance ministers, the only one who commanded the economy for 10 consecutive years, and the principal architect of Awami League’s era of development, will be remembered for his works, they said in their condolence messages.
The first namaz-e-janaza of AMA Muhith was held at the Gulshan Azad Masjid around 11 am on Saturday.
Later, his body was taken to the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, where people from different socio-cultural and political organizations paid their last tributes to the departed soul.
A one-minute silence was observed in respect to the late finance minister.