Eminent poet Bhaskar Chowdhury passes away

Renowned poet Bhaskar Chowdhury, best known for his acclaimed long poem 'Niranjan Amar Bondhur Nam', passed away on Sunday (June 28). He breathed his last at 10:45pm while undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College Hospital in the capital.

His family confirmed the news of his demise. A post on Bhaskar Chowdhury's official Facebook page also announced that he will be laid to rest in his birthplace, Chapainawabganj.

According to family members, the poet was admitted to the hospital on June 15. Medical examinations revealed a tumor in his esophagus. His physical condition deteriorated further due to fluid accumulation in his lungs and severe complications related to high diabetes, ultimately leading to his passing.

Born on November 17, 1952, in Bhabanipur village of Rajarampur in Chapainawabganj town, Bhaskar Chowdhury was the son of Nurul Islam. He began his literary journey during his student years, regularly contributing short stories, poems, novels, and essays to various little magazines as well as national and local newspapers. Despite being in government service, he continued his literary pursuits uninterrupted throughout his career.

He authored nearly forty published books. He first garnered significant literary attention with his short story collection Roktopater Byakoron. His long poem 'Niranjan Amar Bondhur Nam' (popularly known as Amar Bondhu Niranjan) remains widely celebrated among recitation enthusiasts across both parts of Bengal.

Furthermore, his epic novel 'Dhonsa Mati O Tar Jibonbrikkho', which chronicles the lives, struggles, and culture of the Santal indigenous community, received widespread acclaim from both readers and critics.

Among his notable published works are 'Roktopater Byakoron', 'Basotti Bigha Nodi', 'Kothay Nibash', 'Potoner Shomoy', 'Shonibare Brishti', 'Lalmati Kalo Manush', 'Shopnopurush', 'Mimangsha Porbo', 'Asharer Jibondorshon', 'Bhumi', 'Krishnopuran', 'Kokhono Kokhono Erokom Ghote', 'Amar Keboli Shomorpon', 'Niranjan Amar Bondhur Nam', 'Amar Vetore Adhar', 'Poraner Gohin', and 'Tor Boro Koshtore'.

The soil, people, folk culture, and the joys and sorrows of indigenous life in the Varendra region were the central themes of his literary creations. Following the news of his passing, contemporary poets and writers took to social media to express their deep condolences for the loss of a distinct voice in Bengali literature.