- Collage Photo

SANGSAD BHABAN, July 14, 2026 (BSS) -The Jatiya Sangsad today unanimously adopted a condolence motion expressing profound shock over the death of former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, widely regarded as the architect of modern Qatar and father of the incumbent Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The motion, moved by Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam, was adopted by voice vote in the House with Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal in the chair.

Placing the motion, the Chief Whip said Sheikh Hamad passed away on July 12 at the age of 74. 

He described the late leader as one of the most visionary and farsighted statesmen of the contemporary world, whose leadership transformed Qatar into a modern and prosperous nation through remarkable progress in education, healthcare, energy, infrastructure, the economy, international diplomacy and human resource development.

Md. Nurul Islam said Sheikh Hamad earned global recognition as the “Architect of Modern Qatar” for his outstanding contributions to the country’s development.

The Chief Whip also said Sheikh Hamad’s visionary leadership further strengthened the friendly relations between Bangladesh and Qatar, particularly in expanding employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers, enhancing bilateral economic cooperation and promoting mutual development.

The Chief Whip added that despite facing various challenges during the recent Middle East crisis, Qatar stood by Bangladeshi workers residing in the country. “During the Strait of Hormuz crisis, the Gulf nation also extended humanitarian assistance to Bangladeshi sailors, for which Bangladesh remains deeply grateful,”

Through the condolence motion, the House prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed its deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the incumbent Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Qatari royal family, the government and the people of Qatar.

The Chief Whip also proposed observance of state mourning in Bangladesh tomorrow with the national flag to be hoisted at half-mast. He further suggested that a certified copy of the condolence motion would be sent through appropriate channels to Qatar’s Shura Council, the Embassy of Qatar in Bangladesh and the Government of Qatar.

Following the proposal, Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal put the motion to a voice vote, and members of parliament unanimously endorsed it.

After the motion was adopted, ruling party lawmaker Mohammad Shamim Kaiser from Gaibandha-4 constituency led a prayer seeking eternal peace for his  departed soul.