He was 75.

Mannan, a close aide of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, served the post-Independence Awami League government as home minister and later as health minister.

He was elected Member of Parliament in 1973 and 1996.

Abdul Mannan left behind his wife, five sons, a daughter, political colleagues and a number of well-wishers to mourn his death.

The first namaj-e-janaza of the late leader was held yesterday at Aeroplane Mosque on Elephant Road and the second one in front of the AL central office on Bangabandhu Avenue after Magrib prayers.

He will be buried at the family graveyard at Paradise Para in Tangail this morning after a third namaj-e-janaja there.

Born in Tangail in 1929, Mannan played an important role during the Liberation War.

He administered the oath-taking programme of the Bangladesh government on April 17, 1971 in Meherpur. He founded the weekly newspaper 'Joy Bangla' during the War of Liberation.

Mannan was also one of the main accused in historical Agartala Conspiracy Case and in his 59 years of political career, he was involved in Language Movement of 1952, six-point movement of 1966 and the mass upsurge of 1969.

He served the Awami League as its presidium member and was member of the party's Advisory Council till his death.

Leader of the Opposition and Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina in a statement yesterday expressed deep shock at the death of Abdul Mannan. She recalled the long political career of the late leader and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.

UNB adds: Prime Minister Khaleda Zia expressed deep sorrow at the death of AL leader Abdul Mannan. Recalling the late leader's contribution in the country's Liberation War and democratic movements, she prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed her sympathy to the bereaved family members.