Renowned reciter and general secretary of Sammilito Sangskritik Jote Hasan Arif passed away in a city hospital on Friday. He was 57. He breathed his last around 1:50 pm, confirmed Sammilita Sangskritik Jote President Ghulam Quddus. Quddus said Hasan Arif tested positive for Covid-19 in December last year.  “Since then, he had been suffering from long-term diseases,” he said adding the artiste was on life support. Asked about if any arrangement will be made for public tribute to the late reciter Quddus said, "No decision has been taken yet by his family. We will inform you if anything gets final.” READ: Ex-president Shahabuddin Ahmed dies at 92 Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed deep shock and sorrow at the demise of the reciter. She also prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family. Born in Cumilla Hasan Arif started his career as a reciter from the 1980s. In his long career, he has played a vital role in organizational recitation as well as training in the country. His first solo performance was held at the Shilpakala Academy, Chottagram in 2005. Known for his pro-liberation and secular values Hasan played an important role in the campaign to bring the 1971 war criminals under trial.