Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)-Former editor of The Independent and former adviser to the caretaker government Mahbubul Alam passed away at a hospital in Dhaka Friday. He was 78.

He breathed his last at the Birdem Hospital around 9:00am. 

He has been undergoing treatment at the hospital for multiple complexities for the last few days. 

His first namaz-e-janaza will be held at Azad Mosjid in Gulshan after Asar prayers.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Speaker of the Parliament Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Opposition Leader in Parliament Rawshan Ershad and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia expressed their deep condolence at the demise of the veteran journalist.

Alam served as the editor of The Independent for 18 years and retired on October 19 in 2013.

He was an adviser to the caretaker government in 2007.

BBN/SS/AS-06June14-1:00pm (BST)