Eminent poet Helal Hafiz was laid to rest with state honours  at the Martyred Intellectuals Graveyard at Mirpur in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon. He was buried around 3 pm after the second Namaz-e-Janaza that took place at the Jatiya Press Club. The first Namaz-e-Janaza was held on Bangla Academy premises in the morning. Family members, admirers, and distinguished personalities paid their last respects to the poet at these venues. Among those present were Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Director General of Bangla Academy Prof. Mohammad Azam. Hafiz, a celebrated poet of rebellion and love, passed away at the age of 76. People pay tributes to poet Helal Hafiz at Bangla Academy Born on October 7, 1948 in Netrokona, Helal Hafiz rose to prominence with his debut poetry collection, Je Jale Agun Jwole (The Water That Burns), published in 1986. The book has since gone through over 33 editions, a testament to its enduring popularity. Hafiz also worked as a journalist for many years, contributing to leading newspapers such as Jugantor.

People from all walks of life paid their tributes to eminent poet Helal Hafiz on Bangla Academy premises on Saturday morning. His body was taken to Bangla Academy around 11 am so that people can pay their tributes to the poet of rebellion and love who died on Friday. His first namaz-e-janaza was held in front of the Nazrul Mancha there. Admirers of the poet, people from cultural arena, writers, poets his elder brother Dulal Hafiz, younger brother Nehal Hafiz, and other family members were present. Family sources said he will be buried at Intellectual Graveyard after his 2nd namaz-e-Janaza at the National Press Club after Johr prayers today. Culture Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Director of the Bangla Academy were, among others, present Nehal Hafiz said, "We have lost him as a family member, but Bangladesh's literary arena has lost a great personality." Social media flooded with tributes to deceased poet Helal Hafiz Recitation artist Rashid Kamal said, "As long as Bangladesh’s history exists, Helal Hafiz will remain relevant. Even in the 24' uprising, he was significant." He added, "Helal Hafiz used to tell me, 'If you want to write something, you must read a lot. Then, write very little. Publish even less.'" Family members of Helal Hafiz shared that they tried several times to take him to a hospital, but he insisted, "I have no time left, I quit." Chief Adviser mourns death of eminent poet Helal Hafiz Farooki said when you talk about the songs of youth, Helal Hafiz’s name always comes to mind. He 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."

Helal Hafiz, a celebrated poet of rebellion and love, has passed away. He was 76. He was declared dead by doctors at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in Dhaka on Friday afternoon. According to BSMMU authorities, the poet suffered a fatal injury following a fall in the bathroom of Super Home, a residence located in Shahbagh, Dhaka, at about 2:30 pm. The poet was taken to BSMMU where he was pronounced dead. His namaz-e-janaza will be held at the National Press Club after Zuhr prayer on Saturday, according to journalist Mahmud Hafiz. The gifted poet had been battling multiple health issues for years, including glaucoma, kidney complications, diabetes, and neurological disorders. Born on October 7, 1948 in Netrokona, Helal Hafiz rose to prominence with his debut poetry collection, Je Jale Agun Jwole (The Water That Burns), published in 1986. The book has since gone through over 33 editions, a testament to its enduring popularity. Hafiz also worked as a journalist for many years, contributing to leading newspapers such as Jugantor. Acclaimed singer Papia Sarwar no more His poetry gained immense popularity during Bangladesh's anti-authoritarian movements, with his iconic lines from the poem Nishiddho Sampadokiyo (Forbidden Editorial), "Ekhon Joubon Jar, Michhile Jabar Tar Shreshtho Shomoy" ("Those who are young, now is the best time to join the procession"), becoming a rallying cry for protests. In recognition of his contribution to Bangla literature, Hafiz was awarded the prestigious Bangla Academy Award in 2013. He also received other accolades, including the Khalekdad Chowdhury Award. Helal Hafiz's work will remain immortal, inspiring future generations of poets and readers alike.