Ekushey Padak-winning poet Al Mujahidi dies at 82

Ekushey Padak-winning poet, researcher, and editor Al Mujahidi has died at the age of 82 while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka, marking the end of a distinguished literary career that spanned several decades.

Al Mujahidi passed away on Friday at the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of United Hospital in the capital. Born on January 1, 1943, he was widely regarded as one of the leading poetic voices of the 1960s, with works reflecting Bangladesh's history, culture, identity and human values. Throughout his career, he authored more than 50 books, including poetry, novels, essays and plays, and also served as literary editor of The Daily Ittefaq, where he played a key role in nurturing emerging writers. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to Bangla literature, he was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2003. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief across Bangladesh's literary community.