Ekushey Padak-winning eminent language movement veteran Ahmad Rafiq passed away in the capital's BIRDEM Hospital on Thursday at 10:12 pm. He was 96, reports UNB.
His special assistant Md Russel confirmed the news, saying Rafiq breathed his last at 10:12 pm. Hospital authorities said he had been on life support and suffered a cardiac arrest before his death.
The veteran intellectual was admitted to BIRDEM's Intensive Care Unit on Wednesday after his condition deteriorated. Doctors said he had been battling kidney complications and suffered several mild strokes in recent months.
Earlier on September 11, he was discharged from LabAid Hospital and later admitted to Health and Hope Hospital in Panthapath. Due to the lack of required facilities there, he was transferred to BIRDEM on Sunday.
Born in Brahmanbaria in 1929, Ahmad Rafiq played an active role in the historic 1952 Language Movement as a young student. He was among those who took part in protests and mobilisations demanding Bangla's recognition as a state language of Pakistan.
His lifelong commitment to the spirit of the Language Movement was reflected in his writings and cultural activism.
Meanwhile, Chief Adviser (CA) Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed profound sorrow over the death of Ekushey Padak-winning language movement veteran and eminent intellectual Ahmad Rafiq.
In a condolence message, the Chief Adviser said Ahmad Rafiq was a distinguished witness and a powerful voice of the Language Movement.
He also praised him as an exceptional poet, essayist, researcher and a leading figure in Rabindra studies.
BSS adds: The nation will bid a solemn farewell to Language Movement veteran, eminent poet, essayist and Rabindra researcher Ahmed Rafiq as his body will be brought to the Central Shaheed Minar today (Saturday) for the public to pay respects.
His body will be kept at the Shaheed Minar from 11:00 am to allow people from all walks of life to offer their tributes to the celebrated intellectual and cultural icon. Leaders from cultural, literary and political spheres are expected to attend and pay homage.
Meanwhile, tributes and condolences continue to pour in following his passing.
In separate condolence messages, Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen Soneya Murshid expressed deep sorrow and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.
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