Bangladesh Former Law Minister Barrister Shafique Ahmed Passes Away at 89
Barrister Shafique Ahmed, former Law Minister of Bangladesh and a senior jurist of the Supreme Court, has died at the age of 89. He passed away on Sunday afternoon while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Dhaka after his health condition deteriorated.
His son, Barrister Mahbub Shafique, confirmed that he was admitted to the hospital on Saturday when his physical condition worsened. He died at around 5:30 pm. His passing has prompted widespread grief in legal and political circles across the country.
Tenure as Law Minister (2009–2014)
Barrister Shafique Ahmed served as Bangladesh’s Law Minister from January 2009 to early 2014. He was appointed as a technocrat minister, meaning he was not elected as a Member of Parliament but joined the cabinet due to his professional expertise in law.
During his tenure, he played a key role in the legal and judicial framework of the country, contributing to institutional reforms and policy developments within the justice sector. His time in office is remembered as a significant period in Bangladesh’s legal administration.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1937 in Cumilla, Barrister Shafique Ahmed built a distinguished academic and professional career in law. He pursued higher legal studies in the United Kingdom, completing his Master of Laws (LLM) from King’s College London in 1967.
He later qualified as a Barrister-at-Law from Lincoln’s Inn, one of the four prestigious Inns of Court in London. His international legal education helped shape his career as one of Bangladesh’s respected legal professionals.
Legal Career and Public Service
After returning to Bangladesh, he became a prominent figure in the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. He was widely recognized for his legal expertise, professionalism, and contribution to constitutional and civil law practice.
Over the years, he held important positions including Vice Chairman of the Bangladesh Bar Council and President of the Supreme Court Bar Association. His leadership roles made him a key voice in the country’s legal fraternity.
Legacy and Family
Colleagues describe him as a calm, principled, and academically driven lawyer who maintained strong respect for the rule of law throughout his career. His contributions left a lasting impact on Bangladesh’s judicial system and legal education.
Barrister Shafique Ahmed is survived by his two sons and one daughter. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family. His death marks the end of an influential chapter in Bangladesh’s legal history.
