Expressing deep shock at the death of her teacher National Professor Rafiqul Islam, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said the professor will ever remain alive as a shining star in Bangla literature and research. In a condolence message, Sheikh Hasina said the history Dr Rafiqul Islam had written as an eyewitness following his active participation in the Language Movement and the great Liberation War are invaluable resources for Bengali literature. Ekushey Padak and Swadhinata Padak winning writer and eminent Nazrul researcher Prof Rafiqul Islam, 87, passed away at Evercare Hospital in the capital on Tuesday. Also read: National Professor Rafiqul Islam dies at 87 Prof Rafiqul Islam was also the chairman of Bangla Academy and president of the National Implementation Committee to celebrate the Birth Centenary Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Hasina said he had an outstanding contribution to Nazrul research. “The literary work of this eminent writer and researcher will always inspire the Bengali nation with the spirit of Liberation War and patriotism. He will remain alive as a shining star in Bengali literature and research,” said the Prime Minister. Also read: PM mourns death of AL leader Abdur Rahman “With his death, I’ve lost my teacher, mentor and guardian. My beloved teacher’s encouragement and motivation on various nationally important issues gave me courage and strength to move forward,” she said. The Prime Minister prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and expressed deep sympathy to bereaved family members. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen also expressed deep shock at the death of National Prof Dr Rafiqul Islam.  In a separate condolence message, Dr Momen said the country has lost a great teacher and guardian following the death of Prof Rafiqul Islam.  The Foreign Minister prayed for the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid visited National Professor, writer, researcher, cultural activist and Bangla Academy Chairman Dr Rafiqul Islam on Saturday at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University hospital (BSMMU). Khalid went to the hospital at noon to inquire about the health condition of the 87 years old Professor, who is currently undergoing treatment at the Department of Chest Diseases (Respiratory Medicine) in Cabin No 312 of BSMMU under Dr AKM Mosharraf Hossain. The state minister inquired about Rafiqul Islam's health and instructed the doctor in charge to ensure maximum medical care. He also wished a speedy recovery to Professor Rafiqul Islam and assured full cooperation from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. On October 7, National Professor Dr Rafiqul Islam was admitted to BSMMU with abdominal pain. After the examination, the doctors confirmed that water had accumulated in his lungs which was later extracted. According to Professor Dr Rafiqul Islam’s son Barshan, his father is better now than before, adding that he will be taken to Delhi or Bangkok for further treatment if needed. Professor Dr Rafiqul Islam has received Independence Award (2012), Ekushey Padak (2001), Bangla Academy Literary Award (1994) and International Mother Language Award, for his excellence in the field of academia and culture. Inducted as a National Professor in 2018, Prof Dr Rafiqul Islam is a former head of Bangla department at Dhaka University and currently a professor emeritus of the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB).