Renowned rhymester Sukumar Barua, a recipient of the Bangla Academy Award and the Ekushey Padak, breathed his last at the age of 88 on Friday morning at a private hospital in Raozan upazila, Chattogram.

His daughter Anjana Barua confirmed that he had been hospitalized for a week due to lung complications.

The veteran writer had also been battling various age-related ailments, including heart disease and diabetes, following a debilitating stroke in 2006.

Born on January 5, 1938, in Madhyam Binajuri village, Sukumar Barua’s literary journey began in 1963.

While building his career as a prominent man of letters, he served as an employee at Dhaka University, eventually retiring as a storekeeper in 1999.

Over nearly sixty years of contribution, he became a household name for his rhymes, particularly in children's literature, earning affectionate titles such as "Chhararaj" and "Chharasamrat."

His vast body of work is celebrated for its wit, satire, and moral depth, often weaving in themes of the Liberation War and social justice.

His most notable publications include Pagla Ghora, Bhije Beral, Chiching Fak and Jiboner Bhetore Baire.

In honor of his immense literary impact, the government of Bangladesh conferred upon him the Ekushey Padak in 2017.

Throughout his life, he was also honored with the Bangladesh Shishu Academy Literary Award, the Alaol Literary Award and a Lifetime Honor from the Anon Foundation, among many others.