The Council of Advisers on Sunday formally adopted a condolence motion on the death of Civil Aviation, Tourism and Land Adviser AF Hassan Ariff, recalling his contributions and paying deep respect to him.

The condolence motion was adopted at a special meeting of the Council of Advisers held at the Chief Adviser's Office with CA Dr Muhammad Yunus in the chair.

Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan proposed a condolence motion during the meeting, which was unanimously adopted.

Hassan Ariff will be laid to rest at the Mirpur Intellectual Graveyard at 10:30 am on Monday, next to the grave of Bir Shreshtha Sipahi Hamidur Rahman. 

At the beginning of the meeting, a minute of silence was observed in honor of Hassan Ariff. Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus and other advisers paid tribute to him.

"Today, I am reminded of many things that continue to come to mind. He kept reminding me that we belong to the same generation. He had a simple, childlike approach and was always eager to solve any problem or conflict he encountered. This wonderful man has left us," Prof. Yunus said.

Finance and Planning Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed described Hassan Ariff as a rare personality, always wearing a smile. 

Reflecting on their past work experiences, Jute Textiles and Shipping Adviser M. Sakhawat Hossain expressed deep sadness over Hassan Ariff's passing. 

Sharmeen Murshid, Adviser to the Ministry of Social Welfare and Women and Children, noted that she developed a beautiful relationship with him while working together in the Council of Advisers. "He was an inspiration for us," she said.

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar mentioned that they miss Hassan Ariff in the Council of Advisers' meeting, stating, "Without him, we will face an irreparable loss." 

Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan shared his experiences of working with Hassan Ariff as a lawyer, highlighting Ariff's vocal advocacy for human rights. He also noted that Hassan Ariff served as the founding vice-president of the human rights organization Odhikar.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul described Hassan Ariff as a dedicated and hardworking individual who meticulously examined all documents. 

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain remarked that Hassan Ariff never took any task lightly. 

Home Affairs and Agriculture Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury characterized Hassan Ariff as an amiable person, someone with whom any problem could be resolved through discussion. 

Energy and Road Transport Adviser M. Fawzul Kabir Khan observed that there is significant division in society, and the number of individuals capable of bridging that gap is diminishing. "He was accepted by all," he added. 

Supradeep Chakma, Adviser on Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, recalled Hassan Ariff’s critical role during the signing of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord in 1997, noting that Ariff had great concern for the people of the CHT.

Local Government and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan shared that he got to know Hassan Ariff when he joined the Council of Advisers, finding him to always be supportive like a mentor.

Information Adviser Nahid Islam remarked that while working with Adviser Ariff, he never felt the age gap due to Ariff's sincere engagement with everyone. 

Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder recalled seeing Adviser Ariff work diligently to organize a participatory election in 2008, noting, "This time too, he worked with utmost dedication." 

The Cabinet Secretary, Civil Aviation Secretary, and Land Secretary also spoke during the meeting.