People from all strata in Dhaka on Thursday paid their last tributes to freedom fighter and noted sculptor Ferdousi Priyabhashini at the Central Shaheed Minar.

Earlier in the morning, leaders and activists of different political parties and socio-cultural organisations as well as cross section of people of the society paid their last respect to Priyabhashini after her body arrived at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital, reports the BSS.

A guard of honour was given to the valiant freedom fighter by a contingent of Bangladesh Police.

Speaker of Jatiya Sangsad Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury paid glowing tribute to Priyabhasini by placing a wreath on her coffin at the Shaheed Minar.

After paying homage, the Speaker said Ferdousi Priyabhashini stood on the first row in all democratic movements and struggles of Bangladesh.

‘She was our inspiration,’ the Speaker said.

She said the nation will remember with gratitude for the eternal sacrifice of her heroic contribution during the War of Liberation.

Awami League joint general secretary Dr Dipu Moni, MP, and Pankaj Dev Nath, MP, accompanied the Speaker.

Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader along with other Awami League leaders placed a wreath on the coffin carrying Priyabhashini. They prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family members.

Priyabhashini died of a cardiac arrest at a city hospital on Tuesday at the age of 71.

She was admitted to the hospital on February 23 last with kidney complications, high blood pressure and orthopedic problems.

Priyabhashini was one of the victims of the Pakistani occupation forces. Leaders of Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Workers’ Party of Bangladesh, Ganasanghati Andolan, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (Basad), Revolutionary Workers’ Party of Bangladesh and other political parties placed wreaths on the coffin of Priyabhashini.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman and Dhaka University Teacher’s Association, led by its president Professor ASM Maksud Kamal, and pro-Awami League teachers’ body (Blue Panel) convener Dr Mohammad Samad placed wreaths on the coffin of Priyabhashini.

Emeritus Professor Anisuzzaman, Jagannath University vice chancellor Mijanur Rahman, Ganajagaran Mancha, Udichi Shilpi Goshthi, Ekattarer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee, Sammilita Sangskritik Jote, Sammilita Samajik Andolon, Progressive Writers’ Association, Charon Sanskritik Kendro, also paid their last tributes to Priyabhashini.

Later, Ferdousi Priyabhashini was laid to eternal rest at Mirpur Martyred Intellectual Graveyard after Asr prayers.