Ekushey Award winner poet and Bangla Academy Director General Habibullah Siraji has passed away. He was 72.
He breathed his last while undergoing treatment at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital in the capital’s Shyamoli around 11pm on Monday.
A H M Lokman, Secretary of the Bangla Academy, confirmed the death to Jago News.
Earlier on April 25, the poet was admitted to the hospital with stomach problem. Later, he was given ventilation support after his health condition deteriorated.
Lokman said, Habibullah’s body will be kept at Bangla Academy premises for respect at 10am on Tuesday. His first namaz-e-janaza will be held there and he will be buried at Ajimpur graveyard after second janaza.
He was awarded Ekushey Padak in 2016 for his contribution to language and literature. He served as the Director General of Bangla Academy from December 20 until his death.