BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, expressed profound grief over the passing of AF Hassan Arif, an advisor to the Ministry of Land and Civil Aviation and Tourism. Rahman stated that Arif’s thoughts on the rule of law would remain a source of strength and inspiration for democratic political parties.

In a condolence message issued on Friday, December 20, Rahman mourned the loss, extending heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family. He remarked that Arif’s demise, particularly amid the current political climate, created a void in the nation, as the country lost a seasoned and wise legal expert. Arif’s contributions to the legal profession would remain alive in the memories of his colleagues and future generations of lawyers.

AF Hassan Arif passed away at LabAid Hospital on Friday afternoon at 3:10 PM, following a cardiac arrest, at the age of 83. Earlier, on August 8, Arif was sworn in as an advisor to the interim government. He had also served in the caretaker government under Fakhruddin Ahmed as an advisor for the Ministries of Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs, Land, and Religious Affairs. Additionally, he held the position of Attorney General from 2001 to April 28, 2005.

Born on July 10, 1941, in Kolkata, Arif completed his secondary and higher secondary education at St. Xavier’s College. He earned his undergraduate and LLB degrees from the University of Calcutta. In 1967, he was enrolled as a lawyer at the Calcutta High Court and later began practicing at the Bangladesh High Court in Dhaka, gaining enrollment in 1970.