His first namaj-e-janaza will be held on the Supreme Court (SC) premises today while the second janaza will be held at Gulshan Azad Mosque after Asr prayers.

Justice Chowdhury, born on June 23, 1938 in Chapainawabganj, was appointed an SC judge in 1990 and was elevated to the appellate division in 2000. He was sworn in as the chief justice on June 18, 2002. He retired from the constitutional post on June 23 last year.

His wife Dr Nazma Chowdhury is a professor of political science in Dhaka University. She was also an adviser to the caretaker government in 1996.

Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has expressed deep shock at the death of the former chief justice.

"The country has lost a veteran lawyer in the death of Justice Mainur Reza Chowdhury," she said in a condolence message.

The nation would always recall late Chowdhury for his remarkable contributions that brightened the image of the country's judiciary, Khaleda said.

She prayed for salvation of the departed soul and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family members.

Law Minister Moudud Ahmad has also expressed profound shock at the death of the former chief justice.

In a condolence message, the minister recalled his contribution to the judiciary.

He prayed for salvation of the departed soul and sympathised with his bereaved family.

Supreme Court Bar Association President Rokanuddin Mahmud also expressed deep shock at the death of Mainur Reza Chowdhury.

Rokan said in the death of Chowdhury, the nation lost a sincere lawyer and a judge with honesty and integrity.