SIRAJGANJ. Nov 10: BNP

lawmaker from Pabna Rafiqul Islam Bakul and six others were killed and at least 40 people injured. 20 of them seriously, as a passenger bus and a truck collided head on. about six km west of Bangabandhu Bridge, this evening, police and witnesses said.

The Pabna bound bus from Dhaka and the truck coming from Bogra collided on the road from the bridge at Konabari. about 10 km from Sirajganj town, at about 6:30 prn. The accident occurred as a front wheel tyre of the bus

The MP suffered serious head Injuries and was rushed to local Ibne Sina I lospital. where doctors declared him dead. I Ie was 50.

"He died of internal haemor rhage.' a doctor said.

The dead Included conductor of the bus Azam Sheikh and driver of the truck.Tire four others were yet to be ideni ified.

The lawmaker’s body was kept at Maulana Bhaaani Auditorium in front of BNP office here. Janaza will held at Islamla College ground at 10 pm.

The other victims’ bodies were kept at Sirajganj General hospital

morgue.

The seriously Injured were admitted to the General Hospital and Ibne Sina Hospital.

Senior police officials visited the spot following the accident.

A case was registered with Bangabandhu Bridge West Police Station In this connection.

BSS adds: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last night expressed her deep shock at the premature death of valiant freedom fighter Rafiqul Islam Bakul. MP.

In a condolence message. Haslna said In his death the country lias lost a freedom fighter and politician.

The Prime Minister prayed for salvation of the departed soul ahd conveyed her sympathy to the members of the bereaved family.

According to a BNP press release Issued in Dhaka last night, a namaj ejanaza for Bakul will lie held in front of the BNP central office at Nayapaltan in the city at 10 am today.

Later, the body will be taken to the South Plaza of the Sangsad Bhaban for holding another Janaza. Bakul will be buried at his family graveyard In Pabna. the press' release added.