Veteran lawyer Rafique-Ul Huq passes away

Eminent lawyer and former attorney general Barrister Rafique-Ul Huq, who had dealt with many high-profile cases during his legal career, died at a hospital in the city on Saturday. He was 85, report agencies.
Barrister Rafique, who had been suffering from old-age complications, breathed his last around 8:30am at Ad-Din Women's Medical College Hospital in the city, said Barrister Ruhul Kuddus, secretary of the Bangladesh Supreme Court Bar Association (BSCBA).
The former attorney general played a prominent role as a lawyer during the military-backed caretaker government's rule.
He was also known for his involvement in various social and charitable causes.
Barrister Rafique was the chairman of Ad-Din Hospital and a sombre mood engulfed its doctors and staff upon his demise.
He left behind his son Barrister Fahim-ul Haque. His wife died in 2011.
The veteran Supreme Court lawyer was admitted to Ad-din Hospital on October 15 and returned to his Paltan residence after being discharged from the hospital on October 17. But he was again admitted to hospital the same day.
He was put on life support on October 18. However, he had tested negative for coronavirus.
The renowned lawyer was laid to eternal rest at Banani graveyard in the city around 3:00pm on Saturday after three namaz-e-janazas.
His first namaz-e-janaza was held at Ad-Deen Hospital at 10:40am and the body was later taken to his house at Paltan. His second janaza was held at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque after Zuhr prayer and the third janaza on the premises of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA).
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep sorrow over the death of the veteran lawyer and offered condolences to the bereaved family.
In a condolence message, Abdul Hamid said, "Barrister Rafique-Ul Huq made an enormous contribution to the establishment of rule of law in the country. The country has lost an experienced lawyer."
Sheikh Hasina looked back on Barrister Rafique's contributions to various important constitutional issues.
"In 2007, the then caretaker government arrested me in a false case. During that difficult time, Barrister Rafique-Ul Huq stepped forward to fight for my release," the prime minister said.
An FE Report adds: Ministers and state ministers condoled the death of noted jurist and former attorney general Barrister Rafique-Ul Huq.
Industries minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun in his condolence message expressed deep shock at the death of the veteran supreme court lawyer.
Railways minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan also expressed deep shock at the death of Barrister Rafique-Ul Haque.
Land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury mourned the death of Barrister Rafique-Ul Haque.
Expatriate welfare and overseas employment minister Imran Ahmed also condoled the death of the veteran supreme court lawyer.
State minister for industries Kamal Ahmed Majumder in his condolence message expressed profound shock at the death of Barrister Rafique-Ul Haque.
Founder and trustee of Gonoshasthaya Kendra Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury also expressed deep shock at the death of prominent lawyer Barrister Rafique-Ul Haque.
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) also condoled the death of Barrister Rafique-Ul Haque.
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