Poet Helal Hafiz passes away

The country’s renowned poet Helal Hafiz has died today (Friday) at the age of 76.

He was taken to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital on Friday (December 13) afternoon and was declared dead by the doctor on duty.

Helal Hafiz had been suffering from glaucoma for a long time. He was also suffering from kidney complications, diabetes and nerve complications.

Filmmaker Shabnam Ferdousi confirmed the death of Helal Hafiz to the media.

She said poet Helal Hafiz died in the hostel where he stayed in Shahbagh. Later, he was taken to BSMMU where the duty doctor declared him dead.

BSMMU authorities said that Helal Hafiz fell in the bathroom of the super home located in Shahbagh in the capital around 2:30pm and bled to death.

Helal Hafiz was born on October 7, 1948 in Netrakona. His first book of poems ‘Je Jole Agun Jwale’ was published in 1986. So far, the book has been printed more than 33 times. In addition to writing, Helal Hafiz worked as a journalist for various newspapers including Daily Jugantar for a long time. After publishing his first book of poems, the poet rose to the peak of popularity.

In 2013, he received the Bangla Academy Award.