Capt. (retd.) Muhammad Shujat Ali, a freedom fighter and former lawmaker, passed away due to old-age complications at

Richardson Regional Medical Centre, Texas, USA on Friday at the age of 81, says a press release.

He left behind his wife, six sons, two daughters, a number of grandchildren, relatives and well-wishers to mourn his death.

Shujat Ali, who did his BA (Hons) in political science from Dhaka University in 1942, received the King's Commission (1943-44) as an officer first in the Royal Indian Air Force and later in the Royal Indian Army.

Recipient of both the War Medal and the Pakistan Medal, he was also the commandant of Palatana freedom fighters' training camp in Tripura, India. He was critically injured along with Maj. Khaled Mosharraf in Koshba sector during the War of Liberation. He hoisted the Bangladesh flag in Debidwar, Homna, Chandina, Muradnagar and Daudkandi on December 4 in 1971.

Shujat Ali was elected MNA in 1970, MCA in 1972 and MP in 1973. He was also a successful jute businessman.

His body is expected to be flown back home on Tuesday. His namaz-e-janaza will be held at Gulshan Azad Mosque in Dhaka and at his village home at Debidwar.