Poet Abul Hossain dies at 92

Staff Correspondent: Abul Hossain, one of the pioneers of modern Bangla poetry, has died at the age of 92.

The oldest poet of the country breathed his last on Sunday night. His family sources said the poet fell ill due to the old age complexities.  He was then taken to Squire Hospital where doctors declared him dead around 10.45pm.

Abul Hossain left two sons and two daughters behind along with lakhs of admirers.

The body of the late poet kept at the Squire Hospital mortuary. His Namaz-e-Janaza will be held on Tuesday, family sources said.

About the late poet:

Poet Abul Hossain was born at Doyara village in Khulna district in 1922. His father`s name is SM Ismail Hossain. He grew up in Krihsnanagar and Calcutta (now Kolkata).

Abul Hossain did his Honours and Masters in Economics from Calcutta Presidency College and University.

He took journalism as his first profession in Kolkata. He worked with the literary journals -- Bulbul and Nabajug.

Hossain started writing poetry in the late 1930s. His first poetry book “Naboboshonto” was published in 1940. He was one of the few Muslim poets who initiated modern trends in Bangla poetry. His style and tone are distinctive. His poems focus on the Bengali culture, traditions, relationships, romanticism, patriotism, nature and the Liberation War.

He has 30 books to his credit. His poetry books include “Birosh Sanglap”, “Shob Boshonto”, “Hawa Tomar Ki Dushshahosh” and “Duhshapno Theke Duhshapno”.

Hossain`s other literary works include essays on art, culture and social life; translations and autobiography.
Besides writing, Hossain served in different local and international organisations in various posts.

The poet has been honoured with many awards, including Ekushey Padak, Bangla Academy Award, Padabali Award, Nasiruddin Gold Medal, Mazharul Islam Kobita Puroshkar and more.

risingbd/DHAKA/June 30, 2014/Augustin Sujan