ZCZC
BSS–07
OBIT-SIRAJEE-LEAD
Ekushey Padak laureate poet Habibullah Sirajee passes away
DHAKA, May 25, 2021 (BSS) – Ekushey Padak recipient and Bangla Academy Director General (DG) Poet Habibullah Sirajee died while undergoing treatment at a city hospital last night.
He was 73.
Poet Sirajee had been suffering from colon cancer, confirmed by his family sources here today.
He breathed his last while undergoing treatment at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital here at 11pm on Monday, they said.
He left behind wife, sons and a host of relatives and well wishers to mourn his death.
Sirajee was born to Abul Hossen Sirajee and Jahanara Begum couple on December 31 in 1948 at Rasulpur village of Faridpur district.
He passed secondary examination from Faridpur Jilla School in 1964, higher secondary in 1966 from Faridpur Rajendra College and completed graduation in Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in 1970.
He authored around 50 books which included literature, article and memoirs during his lifetime. He received prestigious Ekhusey Padak in 2016 for poetry and was adorned with Bangla Academy Sahittya Award in 1991.
Sirajee was also adorned with various awards like Jashore Sahittya Parishad Award in 1987, Alaol Sahityya Award in 1989, Bishnu Dey award in 2007, Ruposhi Bangla award in 2010 and Mahadiganta award in 2011.
From Bangladesh Specialized Hospital, the poet’s body was taken to Bangla Academy at 9:55 this morning for paying last respect. His first namaj-e-janaza will be held on the Academy premises.
He will be buried at Azimpur graveyard after second namaj-e-janaza there.
State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid and different political leaders expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of Sirajee.
In a condolence message, the state minister prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.
Khalid said, “Poet Habibullah Sirajee played a significant role in forming Jatiya Kabita Parishad during 1980’s. He highlighted war of independence and progressive outlook in his poetry and works”.
BSS/PR/OG/GMR/1253 hrs