DHAKA, July 30, 2021 - President M Abdul Hamid today expressed
profound shock and sorrow at the death of former Deputy Speaker and
Awami League lawmaker from Cumilla-7 constituency Professor Ali
Ashraf.

  In a condolence message, the President said Professor Ali Ashraf's
professionalism and experiences played a very positive role in the
norms and practice of parliamentary democracy.

  "His role was important in various parliamentary committees and
parliamentary activities, including the parliamentary standing
committees on government assurance and public accounts," he mentioned.

  Abdul Hamid, also former Jatiya Sangsad Speaker, said that at the
death of Professor Ali Ashraf, the country has lost an experienced
parliamentarian and his death is an irreparable loss to the country's
political arena.

  The head of the state prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul
and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.

  The 73-year-old parliament member, also chairman of the
parliamentary standing committee on the Government Assurances,
represented Cumilla-7 constituency in the Jatiya Sangsad for the fifth
time.

  Prof Ashraf, who was on life support in capital's Square Hospital,
passed away around 4:00 pm today. He had been suffering from
age-related problems, including diabetes for long.

  He was hospitalized on July 10 and subsequently moved into intensive
care unit as his condition deteriorated. He was later put on life
support on Jul 21.

  Prof Ashraf was also the Finance and Planning Secretary of
Bangladesh Awami League Central Committee and the president of Cumilla
North District Awami League.