Partex Group founding chairman MA Hashem passed away at early hours of Thursday. He was 78.

His son Showkat Aziz Russell confirmed the matter.

MA Hashem was admitted to the Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on December 11 after he had tested positive for coronavirus. Later, he had been on life support since on December 16.

Born in 1943 in Noakhali's Begumganj, Hashem ventured into tobacco trade half a century ago.

After independence he got involved in the import of iron, steel, cement, sugar, rice, spices, wheat, salt, milk and other essential commodities.

And in 1982, he signed up for manufacturing import substitute products and started particle boards.

Today, Partex has a presence in both manufacturing and service sectors, from boards, furniture, plastics, paper, cotton, yarn, jute, real estate, textile, shipping, agro, garments, aeromarine logistics to food and beverages.

Hashem joined politics through BNP, one of the main political parties, before the 2001 general elections and was elected MP from Noakhali-2 constituency.

During the last caretaker regime, he like many other politicians and businessmen got arrested on corruption charges.

In December 2016, he resigned from politics saying that it was hindering his social activities.

Chairman of the North South University Trust, Hashem worked as a director of City Bank Limited and United Commercial Bank. He was founder of Janata Insurance Company.

Hashem is likely to be buried at the Banani Graveyard. Family sources said they would like to avoid public gatherings during funeral to maintain health regulations amid corona pandemic.

Bashundhara Group condoled death of MA Hashem, prayed for salvation of the departed soul and expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.

BDST: 1119 HRS, DEC 24, 2020
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