Washington, Dec 01 (bdnews24.com) – Akhter Ahmed Khan, press minister of the Bangladeshi Embassy in Washington, was found dead at his residence at Rockville in Maryland on Monday. He was 55.

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina, currently abroad, expressed her sadness and shock at the sudden death.

Khan's colleagues at the embassy rushed to his home as he had not attended office after the weekend, said a friend.

Awami League leader Sheikh Mohammed Selim, friend of the deceased, was on the spot and told bdnews24.com by phone that police entered and found Akhter's body at his residence.

Police are assuming that Akhter died of natural causes, Selim added.

In a condolence message, the prime minister conveyed sympathy to members of the bereaved family.

Information minister Abul Kalam Azad and information secretary Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury also expressed sadness over the death of the veteran journalist.

Khan, born in Nababganj in 1955, worked for state news agency BSS and several national dailies, including the Morning Sun, New Age and The Independent, throughout his career. He was also with bdnews24.com for a short period.

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