DHAKA: Veteran journalist Khondakar Ali Ashraf passed away after he suffered from old-age complexities at his Uttara residence on Tuesday afternoon.

He was 79. He left behind his wife, two sons and relatives to mourn his death.

Khondakar Ali Ashraf was also a senior member of the National Press Club.

His first Namaj-e-Janaza will be held at the National Press Club at 11:00am on Wednesday while the second funeral prayer will be offered in Uttara after Esha prayers.

He will be laid to rest at Uttara graveyard later.

He was born in Sirajganj, on January 27 in 1936. Ali Ashraf completed his MA in Philosophy from Dhaka University and then went on to pursue his career as the journalist in 1957 through Daily Millat.

Then he associated with Daily Pakistan, Daily Bangla, Daily Jugantor and so on.

He worked as a Chief Sub-Editor, Feature Editor and Senior Assistant Editor in Dainik Bangla.

Apart from journalism, Khondakar Ali Ashraf was also an eminent and popular columnist. He also wrote several books.

Press Club Management Committee expressed profound grief over his death.

Moreover, in an official statement, the president of National Press Club Kamal Uddin Sabuj and its General Secretary Syed Abdal Ahmed recalled the contribution of Ali Ashraf and extended condolences to his family.

Ali Ashraf will be an inspiration to young journalists, they further hoped.

BDST: 2259 HRS, JAN 27, 2015