Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Acting President, former Speaker of Parliament and senior BNP leader Barrister Jamir Uddin Sircar in a condolence message.

In the message posted on his official verified Facebook profile, the Prime Minister prayed for Sircar and extended his condolences to the bereaved family, relatives, colleagues, well-wishers and admirers.

He described Sircar as "a wise, experienced, honest and dedicated personality" who served the nation with integrity, wisdom and a strong sense of responsibility throughout his long and distinguished political career.

The Prime Minister said Sircar made lasting contributions to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting parliamentary culture and advancing public welfare through state governance. He noted that the veteran politician remained steadfast throughout his life in his commitment to Bangladeshi nationalism, democracy and the rights of the people.

He said Sircar never abandoned his ideals despite political repression, persecution and adversity, and continued to uphold nationalist principles with dedication and determination.

The Prime Minister also highlighted Sircar's role in the anti-autocracy movement over the past 17 years, saying his contribution to the struggle for restoring democracy, voting rights and fundamental rights would remain an honoured chapter in both the BNP's history and Bangladesh's democratic journey.

"The country has lost an experienced politician, an accomplished parliamentary leader, a prudent statesman and a true patriot," the Prime Minister said, adding that Sircar's ideals, integrity and lifelong public service would continue to inspire future generations of politicians.

He concluded by praying that Allah grants the late leader Jannatul Ferdous.

Barrister Jamir Uddin Sircar died at the age of 94 at Bangladesh Specialised Hospital in Dhaka early on Sunday while undergoing treatment.

A veteran politician and distinguished lawyer, Sircar served as Acting President from June 21 to September 6, 2002, following the resignation of then President Prof AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury. He also served as Speaker of the Eighth Jatiya Sangsad and held several ministerial portfolios during his long political career, including education, land, foreign affairs, housing and public works, science and technology, and law.

Born on December 1, 1931 in Tetulia, Panchagarh, Sircar studied history at the University of Dhaka before qualifying as a Barrister-at-Law from Lincoln's Inn in London. He joined the legal profession in 1960 and became widely recognised for his expertise in constitutional, civil and criminal law.

He was one of the founding members of the BNP and remained a member of the party's National Standing Committee until his death. During the 1971 Liberation War, he was among the High Court lawyers who actively supported Bangladesh's independence. He also represented Bangladesh at the United Nations General Assembly on five occasions between 1977 and 1981.

Sircar was first elected to Parliament in 1979 and later represented several constituencies in successive elections. During the Sixth Parliament in 1996, he served as law minister and introduced the bill that paved the way for the caretaker government system.

Apart from politics and law, he was also an educationist and prolific author whose published works covered democracy, constitutional law, parliamentary practice and international affairs.

Among others, Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman, Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury and Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad expressed deep sorrow at the death of Jamir Uddin Sircar, describing him as a distinguished parliamentarian and eminent legal expert.

In a separate condolence message, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Shafiqur Rahman expressed deep sorrow over the death of the veteran politician.

Recalling Sircar's long and distinguished public life, Shafiqur said the senior BNP leader was a nationally respected and renowned lawyer who had carried out his professional and political responsibilities with dedication, integrity and distinction over many years.

Shafiqur said Sircar had earned the respect and admiration of people across political divides during his tenure as Speaker of Parliament. He also said that during the previous "fascist regime," Sircar had shown great sympathy towards senior Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and others who, he said, had faced political persecution, and had provided important legal and political advice on various occasions.

Highlighting Sircar's generosity, the Jamaat chief said he had appeared in court as one of the lead lawyers for Jamaat leaders in several legal battles. He said Sircar had refused to accept any legal fees even during difficult times, adding that he would always say, "Standing beside the oppressed and persecuted is my moral duty."

Shafiqur said Jamaat would always remember Sircar's selfless contribution and legal assistance with gratitude.

Praying for the deceased, he said, "May Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, forgive all his human shortcomings and grant him Jannatul Ferdous. At the same time, may He grant his bereaved family members, followers and colleagues the strength and patience to overcome this irreparable loss. Ameen."