Helal Hafiz, one of the most beloved poets in contemporary Bengali literature, has passed away.
He died on Friday, December 13, at 2:40 PM at the age of 76.
Doctors at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) declared his death after he was brought to the hospital unconscious from a residential hostel in Shahbagh.
Helal Hafiz was famous for his poignant poetry, especially his first collection "Je Joley Agun Jole", which was released in 1986.
This book quickly became a sensation, touching the hearts of many readers, and went through more than 33 printings.
His second poetry book, "Bedona ke bolechi kedo na", was published in 2019, and it too was well-received by his fans.
Born on October 7, 1948, in Netrokona, Helal Hafiz faced a difficult childhood, losing his mother when he was young.
His father, a respected poet and teacher, played an important role in shaping his life.
Despite his success as a poet, Helal Hafiz lived a quiet and solitary life, spending many years living in a hotel.
He leaves behind a rich legacy of poetry that continues to resonate with readers across generations.
His work remains a vital part of Bengali literature, admired for its depth, emotion, and beauty.