Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the death of former deputy minister, five-time MP and veteran BNP leader Abdul Hai, describing him as a tested leader of street movements for democracy.

In a condolence message, Tarique said Hai’s death is an irreparable loss to nationalist politics.

He said Abdul Hai was a dedicated politician with unwavering faith in democracy and a proven soldier of nationalist ideals.

The prime minister said Abdul Hai had played an important role in strengthening and organising the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

“His contributions to uniting party leaders and activists at the grassroots and strengthening the party’s ties with the people would be remembered,” Tarique added.

He said Abdul Hai was a trusted leader on the streets during various movements against autocracy and fascism.

His firm stance and contributions to restoring democracy, ensuring people’s voting rights and resisting autocracy would continue to inspire BNP leaders and activists, Tarique said.

The prime minister said the BNP had lost an experienced, selfless and principled leader with Abdul Hai’s death.

Tarique prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and expressed deep sympathy to his bereaved family members, relatives, political colleagues and well-wishers.

“May Allah grant him Jannah,” he said.