Nation bids farewell to Language Movement hero Ahmed Rafiq

People from all walks of life bid farewell to Language Movement hero, writer, and cultural figure Ahmed Rafiq on Saturday (4 October) at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital to honour his memory.

Following the public tributes, the coffin of the highly respected activist was carried in a solemn funeral procession to the Ibrahim Medical College, where his body was donated for medical students' training and research.

Ekushey Padak-winning Ahmad Rafiq passed away in the capital's BIRDEM Hospital on Thursday at the age of 96.

The veteran intellectual was admitted to BIRDEM's Intensive Care Unit on Wednesday after his condition deteriorated. Doctors said he had been battling kidney complications and suffered several mild strokes in recent months.

Born in Brahmanbaria in 1929, Ahmad Rafiq played an active role in the historic 1952 Language Movement as a young student. He was among those who took part in protests and mobilisations demanding Bangla's recognition as a state language of Pakistan.

His lifelong commitment to the spirit of the Language Movement was reflected in his writings and cultural activism.

Ahmad Rafiq went on to dedicate his life to writing, research and cultural activities. A Rabindranath Tagore scholar of high repute, he authored and edited more than a hundred books.

He received both the Ekushey Padak and the Bangla Academy Literary Award for his contributions. The Tagore Research Institute in Kolkata honoured him with the title Rabindra-Tottwacharjo in recognition of his pioneering role in Rabindra studies across Bangladesh and West Bengal.

Following the death of his wife in 2006, Ahmad Rafiq lived alone in a rented apartment in New Eskaton. He had no children. Despite his vast personal collection of books, he left behind no significant assets.