Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has expressed deep sorrow and condolences at the death of Dilara Hafiz, wife of National Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.

In a condolence message issued on Saturday, the prime minister said the late Dilara Hafiz was a distinguished educationist and social worker, and that the nation has lost a respected academic with her passing.

According to family sources, Dilara Hafiz passed away at 1:29pm local time on Saturday while undergoing treatment at Singapore General Hospital. She was 78.

She is survived by her husband, one son, one daughter, grandchildren and many well-wishers.

During her long professional career, Dilara made significant contributions to the development of education in Bangladesh. She served as principal of Eden Mohila College and Suhrawardy College at different times.

She also served as director general of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education under the Ministry of Education.