Bangladesh’s Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Qatar’s former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. In a statement released to the media on Sunday, he said Sheikh Hamad passed away on July 12 at the age of 74. Dr. Rahman conveyed condolences to the Qatari royal family and the people of Qatar on behalf of the people of Bangladesh and his party.

He described Sheikh Hamad as a visionary and strong leader of the Muslim Ummah who transformed Qatar during his tenure as Emir from 1995 to 2013. Under his leadership, Qatar advanced significantly in education, economy, energy, and international diplomacy. Dr. Rahman highlighted Sheikh Hamad’s peaceful transfer of power to his son, current Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in 2013 as a rare example in Middle Eastern history.

Dr. Rahman prayed for the departed leader’s soul and asked for divine strength for the Qatari royal family and citizens to overcome their loss.