‘Ranjit’s contribution was not duly valued’

She made the comment when people from different backgrounds gathered on Chittagong Press Club premises to pay their last respects to the writer. The 61-year-old died on Thursday afternoon in Chittagong. He was found in an unconscious state in his room at Chittagong Circuit House and was taken to hospital where doctors declared him dead. Ranjit’s body was brought to Chittagong Press Club around 11am where government officials, writers, cultural activists, politicians and teachers gathered to pay their tributes. In her brief speech, Shelly, a teacher by profession, said the country could not make the best use of the writings of her husband. “The country could not utilise his [Ranjit’s] merit and talent. He was not duly appreciated for his work,” she said. Breaking down in tears, Shelly said: “I have lost someone who has been my friend for 35 long years and the country has lost a highly talented writer. His demise has created an emptiness that will need several decades to be filled." “He would always say that his work was not valued at the level he deserved,” added the wife. Chittagong City Corporation Mayor AJM Nasir Uddin, Chittagong Deputy Commissioner Mesbah Uddin, BFUJ Vice-President Shahid Ul Alam and Chittagong Press Club President Kalim Sarwar spoke among others. Later, on behalf of the government, the Chittagong deputy commissioner paid tribute to the deceased by laying floral wreaths. Ranjit is survived by his wife and a daughter.