Legendary athlete Ranjit Das passes away

Renowned football player, coach and sports organiser Ranjit Das passed away on Monday (February 2). He was 93.

He died at 6:55am while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Taltola of Sylhet.

Born on October 29, 1932, at Zindabazar's Kuritula area in Sylhet City, he was a bank officer by profession.

Das, a celebrated figure in post-independence Bangladeshi sports, started his athletics career as goalkeeper for the East Pakistan national football team from 1955 to 1964, serving twice as captain. He also represented Kolkata Mohammedan Sporting Club in 1957 and participated in Dhaka’s first division football league.

Apart from football, Das was a distinguished hockey player, representing the East Pakistan national hockey team from 1965 to 1969, as well as various club teams.

He also contributed as a sports organiser, serving as founding joint secretary of Bangladesh Football Federation Dhaka, executive committee member of East Pakistan Sports Federation, football secretary and coach at Dhaka’s Azad Sporting Club, and coach of the East Pakistan youth football team.

Das received the National Sports Award in 2007 and numerous honors for his contributions, including the 2006 Prothom Alo-Grameenphone Lifetime Achievement Award. His memoir, Kreerangoner Fele Asha Dingulo (2025), reflects his sporting legacy.

He is survived by his wife, four daughters, one son, and numerous relatives.

His body has been taken to his residence in Korerpara, Sylhet. Public homage will be paid at Sylhet Central Shaheed Minar before his final rites at Chalibandar Maha Samshan tonight.