Bangladesh National Parliament Deputy Speaker Md Fazle Rabbi Miah has passed away while undergoing treatment at a hospital in New York. He was 76.

The valiant freedom fighter fought against the Pakistan Army in Sector 11 during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971.

Fazle Rabbi, a lawmaker from Gaibandha-5, is survived by his three daughters. His wife Anwara Rabbi passed away in May 2020.

Nazmul Hasan, acting Consul General at the Consulate General of Bangladesh in New York, quoting Deputy Speaker's APS, told UNB that Advocate Fazle Rabbi breathed his last on July 22 at 3.55pm (NY Time) at Mt Sinai Hospital in New York.

"We are in touch with his family members and relatives in New York," he said, adding that necessary formalities needed to be done to repatriate his remains. "We are expecting all documents to be ready by Saturday noon and to get a flight in the evening."

A reputed organiser who contributed much in creating public opinion in favour of the Liberation War abroad, Fazle Rabbi was born on April 16 in 1946 and was the founding Secretary of Gaibandha Law College from 1979 to 1986.

He was also an elected Secretary of the Gaibandha Bar from 1978-79.

Fazle Rabbi was also the chairperson of Bangladesh Association for Voluntary Sterilization (BAVS), Gaibandha, from 1980 to 81.

He founded a good number of schools, colleges and madrasas in his own constituency.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the demise of Fazle Rabbi.

In her condolence message, Hasina said that Fazle Rabbi was involved in anti-Ayub movement and 1962's anti-education commission movement from student life. And during Liberation War, he fought in Sector 11.

"He will be remembered for his outstanding role in parliamentary democracy," the PM said.

Hasina prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family.

Advocate Fazle Rabbi's first Namaaz-e-Janaja will be held after Zohr prayer on Saturday (July 23) at Jamaica Muslim Center in New York.

Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder and Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi also expressed profound shock at the demise of the deputy speaker.