The office of the President of Bangladesh was held by Muhammad Jamiruddin Sircar from 21 June 2002 until 6 September 2002. His tenure followed the resignation of A. Q. M. Badruddoza Chowdhury. A career politician and trained barrister, Sircar occupied numerous legislative and ministerial positions throughout his decades-long public life, including a significant period serving as Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad.
Early Career and Education
Born on 1 December 1931 in the village of Nayabari, Tetulia Upazila, Sircar pursued higher education at the University of Dhaka. He earned Bachelor of Arts Honours and Master of Arts degrees in history before securing an LL.B. In 1961, he relocated to London, where he was called to the Bar by the Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn. He commenced his legal practice in 1960 and later worked at the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, specializing in constitutional, civil, and criminal law.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Political Milestones
Sircar joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party as a founding member. Between 1977 and 1980, he served as a delegate to the United Nations General Assembly, where he managed the Legal Committee. His ministerial experience included time as Minister of Education from 1991 to 1996 and Minister of Law and Justice Affairs in 1996. He sat in parliament as a member representing various constituencies, including Panchagarh-1, Dhaka-9, and Bogra-6, until 2009.
Speakership and Legal Challenges
From 28 October 2001 to 25 January 2009, Sircar presided as the Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad. His tenure faced controversy, including accusations of partisan seat allocation and a refusal to debate the 2004 Dhaka grenade attack. Later, he faced legal scrutiny regarding financial irregularities. In 2012, the Anti-Corruption Commission alleged he misappropriated 3.3 million taka during his time as speaker. Following court proceedings, he deposited 2.8 million taka to the state exchequer in March 2023.
Final Years
In his later life, Sircar remained involved in legal affairs, notably serving as the defence lawyer for Khaleda Zia in the 2018 Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. He founded the Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar Collegiate Institute in his native Panchagarh. In 2019, he suffered a stroke after a fall at court. Sircar died on 12 July 2026 at the Bangladesh Specialized Hospital in Dhaka, aged 94.
Fast facts
- Born: 1 December 1931, Tetulia Upazila
- Died: 12 July 2026, Dhaka
- Education: University of Dhaka, Lincoln's Inn
- Acting President of Bangladesh: 2002
- Speaker of Jatiya Sangsad: 2001-2009
- Political Affiliation: Bangladesh Nationalist Party
- Religion: Islam
- Spouse: Nur Akhtar
Questions readers ask
What official positions did Sircar hold?
He served as Minister of Education (1991-1996), Minister of Law and Justice Affairs (1996), Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad (2001-2009), and acting President of Bangladesh (2002).
Did Sircar face corruption allegations?
Yes. In 2012, the Anti-Corruption Commission charged him with misappropriating 3.3 million taka during his term as speaker, leading him to pay 2.8 million taka to the state exchequer in 2023.
