Renowned Islamic Scholar Allama Delawar Hossain Saeedi Passes Away

The Naib Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, internationally acclaimed mufassire Qur'an, and former Member of Parliament, Allama Delawar Hossain Saeedi, breathed his last today. He passed away while undergoing treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in the capital on Monday night. He was 84 years old.

Dr. Md Nazrul Islam, the director of the hospital, confirmed that Allama Delawar Hossain Saeedi passed away at 8.40 PM. His son, Masood Saeedi, also confirmed the sad news through a heartfelt Facebook post.

The late Allama Delawar Hossain Saeedi was admitted to the Block D Cardiac Center of BSMMU on Sunday, August 13, around 10:30 PM. The preceding day, at approximately 5:00 PM, he fell seriously ill while in Kashimpur Jail. He was immediately transferred to Gazipur Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital for initial medical attention. Subsequently, due to the severity of his condition, he was shifted to Dhaka in the evening for advanced treatment.

It's worth noting that Allama Delawar Hossain Saeedi had been battling multiple health issues for an extended period. He had been afflicted with high blood pressure and diabetes, and he bore the burden of several age-related ailments, including ankle pain. His mobility had become severely restricted, necessitating assistance from others for movement.

In a significant turn of events, Allama Delawar Hossain Saeedi was arrested on June 29, 2010, from his residence in Shaheen Bagh, Dhaka, on charges of religious insensitivity. Subsequently, on August 2, he was apprehended in connection with crimes against humanity.

Following a rigorous legal process, the International Criminal Tribunal found him guilty of eight charges of crimes against humanity. Consequently, he was initially sentenced to death on two counts. However, upon appeal, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court commuted his death sentence to life imprisonment on September 17, 2014.

The passing of Allama Delawar Hossain Saeedi marks the end of an era for Bangladesh and the Islamic scholarly community worldwide. His contributions to the understanding of the Qur'an and his involvement in public service will be remembered and honored for generations to come.

May his soul rest in peace - Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raziun.