The first namaj-e-janaza (funeral prayer) for renowned poet Helal Hafiz was held at Bangla Academy on Saturday at 11am.
His second namaj-e-janaza will be conducted after Zuhr prayers at the National Press Club. Later, he will be laid to rest at the Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals' Cemetery.
Long-time friends and colleagues of the poet gathered at the Bangla Academy premises to bid him a final farewell.
Following the funeral prayer, admirers and well-wishers paid their respects by placing flowers on his coffin.
Among those attending the funeral was interim government’s Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki alongside many of the poet's long-time associates and admirers.
Farooki said: “I am not aware of any other poet who has had such an impact on the history of a nation’s art and culture with just one poetry book. He didn’t write many poems or publish many books, yet when we think of the songs of youth and passion, Helal Hafiz’s name inevitably comes to mind. That is his achievement. The cultural world of Bangladesh will feel his absence.”
In his later years, Helal Hafiz lived a life of solitude and loneliness.
When asked by journalists what initiatives could be taken to keep his memory alive, Farooki said: “A poet lives on through his poetry. Helal Hafiz will live on in his verses. He chose to live a solitary life. I do not know if he regretted that choice. Nonetheless, the Ministry of Culture will consider what can be done to honour his legacy. I am confident that they will announce something soon.”
The poet’s elder brother, Dulal A Hafiz, said that Helal Hafiz’s body would not be taken to his hometown of Netrokona.
On Friday afternoon, Helal Hafiz was taken to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
He was 76 years old at the time of his passing. His death has deeply saddened the cultural community of Bangladesh and his countless admirers.
Born on October 7, 1948 in Netrokona, the talented poet published his first poetry collection, “Je Jale Agun Jwale”, in 1986.
The book has since been reprinted more than 33 times. Besides his literary pursuits, Helal Hafiz worked as a journalist for several newspapers, including Daily Jugantor.
After the release of his debut poetry collection in 1986, Helal Hafiz rose to immense popularity. During the anti-authoritarian movement in Bangladesh, his poem “Nishiddho Sampadokiyor Pongkti” inspired protesters with its powerful lines: “Ekhon Joubon Jar, Michhile Jawar Tar Shreshtho Shomoy”. These words echoed in marches, slogans, and the voices of poetry enthusiasts.
In 2013, he was awarded the Bangla Academy Award, having previously received the Khalekdad Chowdhury Award and other accolades.
