Former president of Supreme Court Bar Council Advocate Abdul Baset Majumder died of old age complications at Dhaka's United Hospital on Wednesday morning.
Majumder, former vice-chairman of Bangladesh Bar Council and also a member of Bangladesh Awami League advisory council, was undergoing treatment at the hospital, Supreme Court Bar Council Secretary Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kazal told BSS.
The 83-year-old was admitted to the hospital on September 30 and was put on life support on October 25.
Majumder born on January 1, 1938, at Laksham, Comilla, and was enlisted as a lawyer on September 28, 1966. He got enlisted to practice at the High Court on February 8, 1967.
Popularly known as “Goriber Ainjibi” (lawyer of the poor) for his humanitarian work for the insolvent justice seekers, Majumder had formed a trust fund for them. Different bar councils across the country used to get financial support from this fund.
He is known for providing legal support to more than 20,000 people free of cost or with minimal fee during his long and illustrious career as lawyer.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain expressed deep shock at the death of the lawyer.
In a condolence message, Sheikh Hasina, also the president of Awami League, recalled with deep gratitude the contributions of Majumder and his wholehearted legal support to mass people.
"He performed his professional duties with utmost honesty and sincerity. Advocate Majumder played an important role in establishing rule of law and ensuring justice. He was popularly known as lawyer of the poor," the chief justice said in a message of condolence.
The both prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to his bereaved family members.
In a separate condolence message, Attorney General AM Amin Uddin also mourned the death of Majumder.
Majumder’s first namaz-e-janaza will be held at Supreme Court premises after Zuhr prayers on Wednesday.
