PM's father-in-law Mahbub Ali's 42nd death anniv today

The 42nd death anniversary of former Chief of Naval Staff and former communications and agriculture minister Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan is being observed on Thursday with due respect and solemnity at home and abroad.

Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan, also the father-in-law of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, passed away on August 6, 1984. 

He is remembered for his contributions to the modernization of the Bangladesh Navy, public service, philanthropy and national development.

A series of programmes has been arranged to mark the occasion, according to a press release.

The observance began with the placing of floral wreaths at his grave beside the Naval Headquarters in the capital, followed by Holy Quran Khatam, Quran Khawani and special prayers.

Bangladesh Navy paid tribute to its former chief by placing a wreath at his mausoleum in the morning. 

Food will be distributed among underprivileged people, while special doa mahfils will be held after Zuhr prayers at Bangladesh Navy mosques across the country, seeking eternal peace of his departed soul.

Quran Khatam, Quran Khawani and doa mahfils will also be arranged at Mahbub Bhaban. Begum Mahbub Ali Khan has requested all admirers and well-wishers to pray for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

Special programmes have also been organised by 'Surovi', a charitable organisation for underprivileged children and adolescents founded by Begum Mahbub Ali Khan in 1979. 

The organisation will hold a doa mahfil and special prayers in remembrance of the late naval chief.

Besides, Quran Khatam, Quran Khawani and doa mahfils will be held at different madrasahs, orphanages and mosques in Dhaka, while similar programmes have been arranged in Sylhet, Bogura and Jamalpur.

In Sylhet, the family will organise doa mahfils, remembrance meetings, Khatm-e-Qur'an and food distribution at their ancestral residence, family mosque and local madrasahs. 

Special prayers and food distribution will also be held at the shrines of Hazrat Shah Jalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA).

Programmes marking the anniversary have also been arranged in Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Malaysia, China, South Korea, Singapore and the Maldives, where expatriate Bangladeshis and well-wishers will offer special prayers for the late Rear Admiral.

According to the organisers, discussions highlighting his life, professional achievements and contributions to nation-building will also be held in several countries.

The family also announced plans to establish the Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan Memorial Trust to promote cardiovascular research, scientific innovation and social service, alongside an Institute of Preventive Cardiology and Research in his birthplace, Sylhet, to provide awareness and treatment services, particularly for underprivileged patients.