Dhaka: Journalist Habibur Rahman Milon, chairman of Press Institute of Bangladesh and also advisory editor of daily Ittefaq, passed away on early Sunday. He was 78.

Habibur Rahman Milon left behind his wife, one son, three daughters relatives and well-wishers to mourn his death.

Family source said his first Namaz-e-Janaza will be held at his Eskaton residence, followed by the second Namaz-e-Janaza at National Press Club after Zohr prayers on Sunday.

President Abdul Hamid on Sunday expressed deep shock at the death of noted journalist Habibur Rahman Milon.

‘The country has lost a dedicated journalist in his death. The nation will remember his contribution to journalism,’ the President said in a condolence message.

The President prayed for salvation of his departed soul and conveyed sympathy to members of his bereaved family.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today expressed profound shock at the death of Ekushey Award laureate journalist, writer and chairman of the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) Habibur Rahman Milon.

In a condolence message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, now in London, , recalled the contribution of Milon, a former president of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ), to the development of journalism profession saying the nation has lost a guardian of the country’s media world at his death.

She also recalled Milon’s active and valiant role in the movement protesting the murder of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, fight for democracy and freedom of speech during post-1975 period as well as establishing the spirit of the war of liberation and building a progressive and secular Bangladesh.

Demise of Habibur Rahman Milon is an irreparable loss for the country, the Prime Minister said adding people would always remember his contribution to the journalism profession and society.

Sheikh Hasina prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed her deep sympathy to the bereaved family members, relatives, friends, colleagues and admirers.

Habibur Rahman Milon died at a city hospital at 3:00am on Sunday.