Poet Mohammad Rafiq Cause Of Death, What Happened To Poet Mohammad Rafiq? How Did Poet Mohammad Rafiq Die?
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Aug 07, 2023
Mohammad Rafiq Cause Of Death
Celebrated poet Mohammad Rafiq, honored with the prestigious Ekushey Padak, has passed away at the age of 80 following an unfortunate illness during a visit to his hometown in Bagerhat. The news of Rafiq's demise was confirmed by writer Prashanta Mridha on Sunday night, with reference to the poet's son.
Farjana Siddika, spouse of Prashanta and the head of the Bangla department at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology shared that Rafiq undertook a journey to Bagerhat accompanied by his son three days ago.
After falling ill, he was quickly taken to a local hospital and subsequently transferred to Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital for medical care. Tragically, the poet passed away while being moved to Dhaka for advanced medical treatment, as disclosed by Farjana.
"We find ourselves at a loss for words," she expressed. Both Farjana and Prashanta were students of Jahangirnagar University, where Rafiq imparted teachings on English literature.
Hailing from Baitpur in Bagerhat, Rafiq, born in 1943, held the position of the eldest among eight siblings. Notable among his siblings were former finance secretary Mohammad Tareque and Professor Mohammad Naser, a former educator in Rajshahi University’s statistics department.
Commencing education in Bagerhat, he completed his higher secondary studies at Dhaka College, eventually earning a Master’s degree from Dhaka University's Department of English in 1967, subsequent to his BA. His involvement in the movement against the Pakistani military led to his imprisonment by their tribunal prior to Bangladesh's independence.
During the Liberation War, Rafiq courageously took up arms, actively participating in the fight for Bangladesh's freedom. He also made contributions to Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra.
What Happened To Poet Mohammad Rafiq?
Renowned poet and freedom fighter Mohammad Rafiq, a recipient of the esteemed Ekushey Padak, breathed his last on Sunday night at the age of 80. His final moments occurred at approximately 9:30 pm while en route from Barishal to Dhaka, seeking enhanced medical care.
The news of his passing was confirmed by his cousin, Md Shibly, Chairman of the Management Department at Bagerhat Belayet Hossain Degree College, who shared the information with Jago News.
Sources close to his family revealed that poet Rafiq fell ill during his stay at his ancestral residence in Chitli-Boitpur, Bagerhat, on Sunday morning. His health deteriorated, prompting his initial admission to a local hospital in Bagerhat and subsequently to a private clinic in Barisal.
The attending doctor at the clinic recommended that he be taken to Dhaka for advanced treatment. Despite the family's efforts to transport him to Dhaka, he, unfortunately, passed away during the journey. His body was then transported back to his village home.
Mohammad Rafiq, born on October 23, 1943, in Chitli-Boitpur village within the Bemorota union of Bagerhat, left a profound impact. His professional journey encompassed teaching roles at both Chittagong Government College and Dhaka College. Following a dedicated three-decade tenure in the Department of English at Jahangirnagar University, he retired in 2009.
His accomplishments included not only the Alaol Literary Award, Bangla Academy Award, and Ekushey Padak, but also the Gemcon Literary Award, Prothom Alo Sahitya Puraskar, and Kabi Jasimuddin Sahitya Puraskar, reflecting his significant contributions to the literary realm.
How Did Poet Mohammad Rafiq Die?
Mohammad Rafiq, a revered poet, and freedom fighter who earned the distinguished Ekushey Padak for his trailblazing literary endeavors, passed away on the night of Sunday. At the age of 80, his journey concluded.
Having wrestled with various health challenges, the poet drew his final breaths while en route to Dhaka from Barishal around 9 pm on Sunday, as shared by sources within his family. These sources conveyed that Rafiq embarked on a journey to his birthplace in Bagerhat three days prior. It was on a fateful Sunday when illness befell him, prompting his transfer to a local clinic in Barishal City, where medical experts advised his transfer to Dhaka.
The solemn occasion of his eternal repose is set to transpire in Bagerhat today. Born in Baitpur village under the Bemrata union of Bagerhat Sadar upazila on October 23, 1943, poet Mohammad Rafiq's narrative took shape.
Following his Matriculation exam, he commenced his studies in the science department at Notre Dame College in Dhaka; a pivot towards the humanities department at Dhaka College later transpired.
It was during this phase that he forged a profound connection with the eminent fiction writer Akhtaruzzaman Elias, a camaraderie that imprinted its mark on his literary voyage. Transitioning to the English Department of Dhaka University after Dhaka College, Rafiq earned his degree in English Language and Literature from Dhaka University in 1967.
Within the landscape of his student life, Rafiq etched his name by infusing poetic fervor into the student movement of the 1960s, with this rebellious spirit resonating throughout his artistic journey.
The Liberation War bore witness to Rafiq's unyielding creativity, with his association with Sector-1 and later the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, where his literary contributions inspired the freedom fighters. Rafiq's career as a college educator after independence eventually merged with his role in the Department of English at Jahangirnagar University.
During this phase, his creative output continued to flourish, encompassing both poetry and prose. His verses resounded against societal oppression, with his poem titled "Khola Kobita," directed at the military dictator Hussein Mohammad Ershad, amassing immense acclaim.
Mohammad Rafiq Cause Of Death - FAQs
Mohammad Rafiq passed away due to complications stemming from his deteriorating health.
While the exact details of his health complications haven't been specified, sources indicate that he had been suffering from various health issues.
He passed away on Sunday night, around 9:30pm.
He fell ill while staying at his hometown in Bagerhat, specifically in Chitli-Boitpur village.
Unfortunately, he passed away while being transported from Barishal to Dhaka, in an attempt to seek advanced medical treatment.