Ekushey Padak-winning poet Asim Saha passed away on Tuesday afternoon.
He breathed his last while being treated at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in Dhaka, confirmed poet Mohammad Nurul Huda, director general of the Bangla Academy.
Author Tapan Bagchi said Asim Saha was put on life support at 2pm and his family was informed that he was no more at 4pm.
The poet had been seriously ill and was hospitalized earlier this year. At that time, doctors reported that he was suffering from Parkinson's disease, constipation, and diabetes.
Asim Saha was born on February 20, 1949 at his maternal grandparents' home in Netrakona.
He studied in the Bangla department at Dhaka University.
Poet and novelist Asim Saha received the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 2012 for his contribution to Bangla literature.
Moreover, in recognition of his contribution to the Bangla language and literature, the government awarded him the Ekushey Padak, the country's second-highest civilian honour, in 2019.
His notable works include “Purano Diner Ghasphool” (2012-Poetry), “Progressive Sahityer Dhara” (1976), “Agnipurush Derozion” (1990), “Udasin Din” (Novel-1992), “Shmashanghater Mati Galpo” (1995), “Kiler Chote Kathal Pake” (2002), “Sheyaler Digbaji” (2007), and “Henry Derozio” (2010).
