National University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. ASM Amanullah has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of veteran politician and former Speaker of Parliament, Barrister Zamir Uddin Sarkar.
In a condolence message issued on Sunday, Dr. Amanullah described the senior BNP leader as a "shining star" of Bangladesh's parliamentary democracy, legal arena, and education sector.
"The nation will long remember his contributions to law-making, preserving parliamentary traditions, and expanding education," the Vice-Chancellor stated.
Highlighting Sarkar's tenure as Education Minister, Dr. Amanullah noted his crucial role in developing the country’s higher education infrastructure. "He successfully led various initiatives to improve the quality of education at the National University. He was a constant friend to this institution," he added, calling his death an irreparable loss to the nation.
The Vice-Chancellor prayed for the departed soul and extended deep sympathies to the bereaved family on behalf of the university's teachers, students, and staff.
A senior member of the BNP's National Standing Committee, Barrister Zamir Uddin Sarkar had a long and distinguished political career. He served as State Minister for Public Works under former President Ziaur Rahman, and later as State Minister for Foreign Affairs under President Abdus Sattar.
When the BNP formed the government in 1991, Sarkar held the Land portfolio before becoming the Minister of Education, and later, the Minister of Science and Technology. He served as the Minister of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs in 1996. Following the BNP's return to power in 2001, he was elected Speaker of the Eighth National Parliament. Notably, he served as the Acting President of Bangladesh from June 21 to September 6, 2002, following the resignation of then-President AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury.
