Former health minister Nasim passes away
"He died after suffering a cardiac arrest at around 11am on Saturday"
Former health minister Mohammad Nasim has passed away in the capital's Bangladesh Specialised Hospital today.
"He died after suffering a cardiac arrest at around 11am on Saturday," Professor Dr Raziul Haque, who led the medical team for the brain surgery of the former health minister, confirmed the matter to The Business Standard.
Nasim was in coma since Sunday afternoon. Prior to that, Nasim was in critical condition and in ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit of the Bangladesh Specialised Hospital at Shyamoli in the capital.
On June 1, Nasim was admitted to Bangladesh Specialised Hospital with Covid-19 symptoms, including fever and cold. He had been suffering from different health complications, including diabetes before testing Covid-19 positive.
He later tested positive for Covid-19 and was rushed into surgery after suffering a brain haemorrhage. Nasim underwent brain surgery at the hospital last Saturday.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her deep shock for the death of the former health minister. She also conveyed sympathy to his bereaved family. He left behind his wife and three children.
Mohammad Nasim was health minister from 2014 to 2018 and home minister from 1999 to 2001.
Born on April 2, 1948, the 72-year old political veteran was representing the people of Kazipur from Sirajganj-1 constituency for the fifth time in parliament. Mohammad Nasim was a son of Capt. (rtd) M Mansur Ali, one of the four national leaders killed in prison on November 3, 1975.
Nasim was the chairman of the Standing Committee on Ministry of Food of the present parliament. He was a presidium member of the Awami League and also was the spokesperson of the 14-party alliance.
Mohammad Nasim is survived by his wife, three sons and a host of relatives and admirers.
He will be laid to rest at the Banani graveyard after his namaz-e-janaza at 10:30am on Sunday (June 14) at Banani Jame Masjid.
Nasim's son Tanvir Shakil Joy said, "My father has worked for the people all through his political life. Respecting his legacy, our family has decided to call off the plan to take his body to our hometown in Sirajganj considering the pandemic situation in the country."
He called upon well-wishers to stay home and pray for the peace of his father's departed soul following the Covid-19 health guidelines.
The first namaz-e-janaza of the Mohammad Nasim will be held at 10am on Sunday (June 14) in the capital's Sobhanbagh Masjid.
Country lost a dedicated politician: President
In a condolence message, President Mohammad Abdul Hamid said, ""Mohammad Nasim was a fearless fighter in all democratic movements of the country including our liberation war. He was elected a Member of Parliament five times because he was a favourite leader of the people."
Ministers, state ministers mourn Nasim's death
Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque expressed deep condolences at the departure of former Health Minister and Awami League leader Mohammad Nasim.
In a condolence message, the Minister said, "The name of Mohammad Nasim is closely associated with the great liberation war of Bangladesh and the political history after the liberation war."
"His death is an irreparable loss in the politics of Bangladesh."
"The name of Mohammad Nasim will be written in gold-plated letters in the history of Bangladesh," he said while extending his sympathy towards the bereaved family.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen expressed his sincere condolence to the bereaved family and political followers of Mohammad Nasim.
He said, "The nation will forever cherish his contributions in the politics of Bangladesh."
Moreover, Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzak, Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Imran Ahmed, and Minister for Science and Technology architect Yafes Osman have also conveyed thier heartfelt condolences at the death of the former health minister.
