Language Movement veteran Abul Hossain has passed away at a hospital in Rajshahi. He was 87 years old.
He died while receiving treatment at the emergency department of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital’s (RMCH) on Wednesday afternoon.
Abul was a resident of Shantibagh area of Mathpukur in Rajshahi city.
Ruhul Amin, assistant sub-inspector (ASI) of RMCH police box, confirmed the matter.
Ruhul said that Abul was brought to the hospital in an unconscious state. At that time, the doctor in charge declared him dead. His relatives received his body from the hospital around 4:30pm.
Hospital Deputy Director Saiful Ferdous said: “Abul was undergoing treatment at Barind Medical College Hospital in the city. As his condition deteriorated, he was sent to RMCH. He has been suffering from various physical complications for a long time.”
His family members said that Abul was suffering from shortness of breath along with chest pain. There were also other problems with aging, said Dr Billal Uddin.
On February 9, he took the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine. Doctors didn’t test him for Covid-19 after he fell ill, he added.
In 1952, Abul actively participated in the great language movement in Rajshahi. Post-language movement days, he had his involvement with all the other progressive movements.
In spite of being ill, he protested to demand the construction of a central Shaheed Minar in Rajshahi a few days ago. He also attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the central Shaheed Minar on December 16.
Until his death, he served as the president of Sammilita Sangskritik Jote in Rajshahi.
On the occasion of International Mother Language Day, Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner Abdul Jalil visited the house of Abul and presented him with a gift from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on February 21.
Abul has left behind two sons, a daughter and many admirers.
Rajshahi City Corporation Mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton and MP Fazle Hossain Badshah have expressed deep grief over the death of Abul Hossain.
Expressing deep sympathy to the bereaved family members, Liton said the nation will forever remember the contribution of Abul to the Language Movement.
Besides, Rajshahi Journalists Union President Rafiqul Islam and General Secretary Tanjimul Haque also mourned his death.
