TDS Desk

He was brought to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) hospital around 2:30pm on Friday in a lifeless state, said Brigadier General Md Rezaur Rahman, the hospital director, according to media reports.

Helal Hafiz captured the hearts of many with his debut poetry collection, “Je Jole Agun Jole” (The Water That Burns), published in 1986.

His verses resonated not only with avid poetry enthusiasts but also touched the hearts of those who are not regular followers of literature.

The poems in “Je Jole Agun Jole” were written between 1969 and 1985, as marked by the dates noted at the end of each poem.

Throughout struggles, movements, love, heartbreak, and rebellion, Helal Hafiz left his imprint on every facet of life.

His poem “Nishiddho Sompadokio” (Banned Editorial), as well as “Agni Utsav” (Festival of Fire), stirred hearts to their core.

His words transcend contexts, not limited to events; they resonate universally against injustice, exploitation, and oppression.

The poetry collection “Je Jole Agun Jole” brought Helal Hafiz immense fame.

He refrained from publishing any new books for many years afterwards.

In 2012, his second collection, “Kobita Ekattor” (Poetry ’71), was released, including some additional poems along with those from his first book.

His most recent work, “Bedonake Bolechhi Kedo Na” (I Told Pain Not to Cry), was published in 2019.

Helal Hafiz’s unparalleled fame with such a limited body of work remains unmatched in Bangladeshi literature.