Chittagong's cultural community is mourning the loss of Alauddin Khokon, a renowned cultural activist and organizer. His untimely demise has cast a pall of gloom over the cultural landscape of the port city.
Fifty-year-old Alauddin Khokon breathed his last on Sunday, September 3, at around 11:30pm, while under medical care at Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH).
On that day, Khokon had left his residence at Love lane in Chittagong City to participate in the fifth death anniversary commemoration of Birangana Rama Chowdhury, held at the rehearsal room of Zila Shilpokola Academy. However, he began to feel unwell on his way there, at around 6pm.
Promptly he was admitted to Ward no 14 of CMCH, where he succumbed to his ailment later in the evening.
Despite his origins in Barisal, Alauddin Khokon and his family had long been settled in Chittagong. He is survived by his wife, Rimjhim Ahmed, and their only daughter Azrah Dipannita Titli.
Just four days before his passing, he shared a poignant message on his daughter's birthday via a social media post: "With the key to this vast world in your hands, one day we shall fade away, and our future world will reside within you."
Last night, Alauddin Khokon's body was taken to his sister's residence near Ferozshah area in the city. Prior to this, his remains were kept at the Zila Shilpakala Academy from 11am to 11:30am to allow people to pay their final respects. According to family sources, his funeral took place at Ferozshah Bara Mosque after Zohr prayers.
For over two decades, Alauddin Khokon had been a steadfast companion to the late writer and hero Birangana Rama Chowdhury. Until Rama Chowdhury's demise on September 3, 2018, Khokon served this noble woman with unwavering dedication until he passed away on the same date, three years later.
Recognizing his dedication to Rama Chowdhury, a Liberation War victim, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Department of Social Services, and Bangladesh Veterans Benevolent Association bestowed honours upon Alauddin Khokon that year. Then Social Welfare Minister Rashed Khan Menon presented the prestigious award to Alauddin Khokon during a ceremony held in the capital.
