Tributes paid to Helal Hafiz at Bangla Academy

People from all walks of life paid tributes to Helal Hafizon Bangla Academy premises this morning. The eminent poet passed away around 2:30pm yesterday at a hostel in Shahbagh.

His body was taken to Bangla Academy premises around 11:00am where his first namaz-e-janaza was held in front of the Nazrul Mancha.

Culture Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, the Bangla Academy director, Helal's brothers Dulal Hafiz and Nehal Hafiz and other family members, admirers, writers, poets, and other cultural personalities were present.

"We have lost him as a family member, but Bangladesh's literary arena has lost a great personality," said Nehal.

Elocutionist Rashid Kamal said, "As long as Bangladesh's history exists, Helal Hafiz will remain relevant. Even in the 24' uprising, he was significant."

Farooki said, "I don't know if any other poet has influenced the history of a nation's art and culture as much with just one poetry book. He didn't write many books, but whenever we talk about songs and youth, Helal Hafiz's name comes up. That is his achievement."

He will be buried at the Intellectual Graveyard after his 2nd namaz-e-Janaza at the Jatiya Press Club.