Former Deputy Prime Minister, Bashkim Kopliku has passed away Sunday due to the novel virus COVID-19. 

He was affected by the virus and was in serious condition while being treated in the hospital of Durrës. After several days of fighting with COVID-19, he died. 

Bashkim Kopliku has been a historical figure of the Democratic Party, as he was deputy prime minister and interior minister in the first DP-led government after 1992. 

He had also been twice elected member of parliament and has held other positions, including the Mayor of Durres.