Parliament mourns death of former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad

The Bangladesh Parliament on Tuesday unanimously adopted a condolence motion expressing deep shock and sorrow over the death of former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, widely recognised as the architect of modern Qatar and the father of the country’s current Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The motion, moved by Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam, was adopted by voice vote with Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal in the chair.

Placing the motion, the Chief Whip said Sheikh Hamad passed away on 12 July at the age of 74.

He described the late leader as a visionary and farsighted statesman whose leadership transformed Qatar into a modern and prosperous nation through remarkable progress in education, healthcare, energy, infrastructure, economic development, international diplomacy and human resource development.

Md Nurul Islam said Sheikh Hamad earned global recognition as the “Architect of Modern Qatar” for his outstanding contributions to the country’s development.

The Chief Whip said Sheikh Hamad’s visionary leadership also strengthened the friendly relations between Bangladesh and Qatar, particularly by expanding employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers, enhancing bilateral economic cooperation and promoting mutual development.

He added that Qatar stood by Bangladeshi workers living in the country during various challenges amid the recent Middle East crisis. “During the Strait of Hormuz crisis, the Gulf nation also extended humanitarian assistance to Bangladeshi sailors, for which Bangladesh remains deeply grateful.”

Through the condolence motion, the House prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed its deepest sympathy and condolences to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Qatari royal family, the government and the people of Qatar.

The Chief Whip also proposed observing state mourning in Bangladesh on Wednesday, with the national flag flown at half-mast. He further suggested sending a certified copy of the condolence motion through appropriate channels to Qatar’s Shura Council, the Embassy of Qatar in Bangladesh and the Qatari government.

After the proposal, Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal put the motion to a voice vote, and lawmakers unanimously endorsed it.

Following the adoption of the motion, ruling party lawmaker Mohammad Shamim Kaiser from Gaibandha-4 constituency led a prayer seeking eternal peace for Sheikh Hamad’s departed soul.