Helal Hafiz, the poet of love and rebellion was laid to rest in the Martyrs' Intellectuals' Cemetery in Mirpur, Dhaka.
On Saturday, December 14, his funeral took place with full state honors at 3 pm.
Earlier, his first Namaz-e-janaza was held at the Bangla Academy at 11:30 am, followed by the second Janaza at the National Press Club at 1:30 pm.
It is worth mentioning that on Friday, December 13, Helal Hafiz fell in the bathroom of Super Home in Shahbagh, Dhaka, and suffered severe bleeding. He was rushed to the BSMMU Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. At the time of his death, he was 76 years old.
It is known that Helal Hafiz had been suffering from glaucoma for a long time, along with kidney complications, diabetes, and nerve issues.
Helal Hafiz was born on October 7, 1948 in Netrokona. His first poetry collection, Je Jole Agun Jwle (The Fire that Burns in Water), was published in 1986 and has been printed over 33 times. In addition to writing, Helal Hafiz worked as a journalist for several newspapers, including Daily Jugantar, for many years. After the publication of his first poetry book in 1986, he gained widespread popularity.
During the anti-autocracy movement in Bangladesh, the line "Ekhon Joubon Jar Michhile Jabar Tar Shrestha Shomoy" (Now is the best time for those whose youth is for the march) from his Banned Editorial became a popular slogan among protestors and poetry lovers.
In 2013, he was awarded the Bangla Academy Award. Before that, he received several other honors, including the Khalekdad Chowdhury Award.
