Prominent writer, researcher, and leftist intellectual Badruddin Umar Sunday passed away due to age-related complications at a city hospital at the age of 94, report agencies.
"Badruddin Umar passed away at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital at 10:05 am after a long struggle with age-related complications," stated Jatiya Mukti Council Secretary Foyzul Hakim.
Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus expressed deep shock at the death of Badruddin Umar. Members of the advisory council, such as Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, and Md. Mahfuj Alam, along with many other eminent citizens of the country, mourn his death.
Political and social leaders, including BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, also expressed their shock.
The death of the eminent writer has sparked deep grief in Bangladesh's cultural and academic spheres, with tributes pouring in on social media about his uncompromising voice, historic works, and fearless analyses.
Jatiya Mukti Council Secretary Foyzul said Umar was admitted to the hospital on July 22 with shortness of breath and low blood pressure. After receiving treatment for 10 days, he was discharged last week, he added.
The body of Badruddin Umar will be taken to the Central Shaheed Minar at 10:00 am today to allow people from all walks of life to pay their last homage.
Faizul Hakim confirmed the matter.
Badruddin's eldest daughter, who is currently abroad, is expected to return home soon.
His first namaz-e-janaza will be held after Zuhr prayers at the Central Jame Mosque of Dhaka University following his daughter's arrival.
He will be laid to eternal rest at the Jurain Graveyard later in the day after the janaza.
Badruddin Umar was born on December 20, 1931 in Bardhaman of India. His father Abul Hashim was a Muslim nationalist politician of the sub-continent.
His writings on the nationalist movement in Bangladesh, religion, and politics left an immense impact on the liberation of Bangladesh. Some of his famous works include Samprodayikota (1966), Sangskritir Sangkat (1967), and Sangskritik Samprodayikota (1969).
A longtime Marxist thinker, Badruddin Umar debuted his career as a part-time lecturer at Dhaka University. Then he founded the Department of Sociology at Rajshahi University.
He was the president of the Bangladesh Krishok Federation and served as central coordinator of the Gonotantrik Biplobi Jote.
He was once a member of the central committee of the Purba Banglar Communist Party.
In 2003, Badruddin established the Jatiya Mukti Council, where he served as president until his death.
In a condolence message, the Chief Adviser said Badruddin Umar who began his career as a teacher at Dhaka University and later joined Rajshahi University was a lighthouse in the nation's pursuit of free thought and progressive ideals.
"His active role in the Language Movement, research, vocal opposition to colonial mindsets and unwavering commitment to socialist ideals have significantly enriched the country's intellectual heritage," he said.
Professor Yunus said Badruddin Umar consistently advocated for mass uprisings against fascist and autocratic regimes and recognised the July Movement as a historic and unprecedented people's uprising in the subcontinent.
Bangla Academy, through an official statement of its Director General Prof Mohammad Azam, described Umar as a distinguished historian, researcher and intellectual, noting his works on the Language Movement and politics will continue to enrich the nation.
Ekushey Padak-winning eminent photographer Nasir Ali Mamun mourned Umar as "a legend gone," writing: "We will not find him again even if we cry for him."
Prominent economist and writer Anu Muhammad paid tribute calling him his teacher, comrade, and a lifelong revolutionary, expressing deep respect and love.
Renowned academic and writer Azfar Hussain remembered Umar as one of the country's foremost Marxist theorists and uncompromising intellectuals, saying his life was "an epic journey against all forms of power and oppression."
Press Institute Bangladesh Director General Faruk Wasif said Umar, a lifelong communist, remained upright against oppression even in his nineties.