Rafiq Azad, one of the most prolific and versatile poets of Bangla literature, died yesterday at the capital’s Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). He was 73.
Azad, perhaps known to most by his incendiary poem “Bhat Dey Haramjada, Noile Manchitro Khabo,” written during the 1974 famine, was a freedom fighter who remained an embodiment of the nation’s struggle against injustice and oppression throughout his life.
BSMMU’s Prof Dr Kamrul Hasan Khan told the Dhaka Tribune that the poet breathed his last at 2:13pm while undergoing treatment at the intensive care unit of the hospital.
“The poet was suffering from diabetes as well as kidney and lung complications for a long time. We tried our best to treat him,” he said.
Rafiq Azad’s son Abboy Azad said: “My father always said that he had no regrets. So we also say we have no regrets. My father was a born fighter.”
The poet’s wife Dr Dilara Hafiz, a former chairman of Dhaka Education Board, said: “My husband was not a certified freedom fighter. But I am proud that I am the widow of a freedom fighter.”
Azad’s family, friends and well-wishers hoped that as a freedom fighter, the poet would receive a state burial.
Poet and author Syed Shamsul haq, poet Asad Chowdhury, poet Nirmalendu Goon, poet Tarik Sujat, Bangabir Kader Siddiqui and many other cultural and literary figures came to the hospital at the news of Azad’s demise.
Eminent cultural personality Nasiruddin Yousuff Bachchu announced that the body of Azad will be kept at the Central Shaheed Minar from 10am to 12pm tomorrow for people to pay their respects.
Later, the poet’s body will be taken to Bangla Academy for poets and writers to pay respect. His namaz-e-janaza will be held at Dhaka University Central Mosque. He will be buried at Mirpur Shaheed Buddhijibi Graveyard on the same day.
On January 15, the poet was brought to the hospital from Anwar Khan Medical College Hospital in Dhanmondi.
The poet was kept under the supervision of Prof Dr Harisul Haque.
Earlier, Rafiq Azad was admitted to Anwar Khan Medical College Hospital following a brain haemorrhage.
He was born on February 13, 1943, in Guni area under Tangail district. Azad finished his studies in Bangla at Dhaka University in 1967. After that, he was engaged as a teacher for a while.
With his first poetry book published in 1973, Rafiq Azad has 45 books to his credit, including an autobiography.
His notable works include “Prokriti O Premer Kobita,” “Oshombhober Paye,” “Shohosro Shundor,” “Haturir Niche Jibon,” “Porikirno Panshala Amar Swadesh,” “Khub Beshi Durey Noy,” “Opar Oronno,” “Karo Osrupat,” “Moulobir Mon Bhalo Nei” and “Pagoler Thekay Premikar Chithi.”
Rafiq Azad received Ekushey Padak in 2013 and Bangla Academy Award in 1984 for his outstanding contribution to the realm of poetry.
In a condolence message, President Abdul Hamid said the poet’s contribution to the world of Bangla poetry will be remembered forever. He said the loss that created in the literary arena of Bangladesh by the death of Rafiq Azad was irreparable.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her deep shock at the death of the poet and freedom fighter. She prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed her profound sympathy to the bereaved family.
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in a message offered her condolences to the poet’s family and loved ones. She said the poet’s work reflected humanity and humanism and his death was an irreparable loss to the literary world.