BNP pays last respects to ex-mayor Mannan

BNP has paid its last respects to the party's vice-chairman and first mayor of Gazipur City Corporation MA Mannan by placing wreaths on his coffin, reports UNB.
Mannan's coffin was taken to the BNP's Nayapaltan central office around 10.30 am on Friday and kept on a stage, enabling party leaders and activists to have a last glimpse of their leader who passed away on Thursday.
BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir along with senior leaders placed wreaths on the former mayor's coffin on behalf of the party and draped it with a party flag as a mark of respect.
Later, leaders of BNP's different associate bodies also placed wreaths on his coffin.
In a brief address prior to janaza there, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir recalled the contributions of Mannan to BNP and the country. "The vacuum created following the death of Mannan will not easily be filled."
Fakhrul prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family members.
Mannan died at United Hospital in the capital on Thursday afternoon.
His first namaz-e-janaza was held on Baridhara DOHS Mosque premises after Esa prayers and second janaza at Nayapaltan. Leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies participated in his janaza.
Mannan was elected mayor in the first Gazipur City Corporation polls in July 2013.
Joining BNP in 1978, Mannan was elected MP from Gazipur -1 constituency in 1991. He was inducted into Khaleda Zia's cabinet in 1991 as a state minister for religious affairs and science and technology.