Helal Hafiz, a Poet of love and rebellion, passed away on Friday (December 13) afternoon.
He was taken to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital where doctors declared him dead. He was 76 years old. The news of his death was confirmed by Udichi's Konkan Nag Kabir.
BSMMU authorities stated that around 2:30 pm on Friday, Helal Hafiz fell in the bathroom of Super Home in Shahbagh, Dhaka, causing bleeding. He was rushed to BSMMU Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
It has been reported that Helal Hafiz had been suffering from glaucoma for a long time along with kidney complications, diabetes, and neurological disorders.
Helal Hafiz was born on October 7, 1948 in Netrokona. His first poetry collection: Je Jole Agun Jole (The Water That Burns), was published in 1986. The book has been printed over 33 times to date. In addition to his writing, Helal Hafiz worked as a journalist for a long time with various newspapers, including Daily Jugantor. After the publication of his first poetry collection in 1986, he rose to the pinnacle of popularity.
During the anti-authoritarian movement in the country, the lines from Helal Hafiz's poem Nishiddho Sampadokiyo (Banned Editorial) — "Ekhon Joubon Jar, Michhiley Jabar Tar Shreshtho Shomoy" (Now is the prime time for those in their youth to join the procession) — became rallying cries, slogans, and cherished words among poetry lovers.
In 2013, he received the Bangla Academy Award. Before that, he was honored with the Khalekdad Chowdhury Award and several other recognitions.
