Poet Rafiq Azad at ICU

Staff Correspondent: Rafiq Azad, one of the most prolific and dynamic poets of Bangladesh, has been admitted to the capital`s Anwer Khan Modern Hospital after being ill seriously by haemorrhage on Thursday night, confirmed Robin Ahsan, the publisher of Shrabon Pulication.

 

The Ekushey Padak winner poet has been undergoing treatment under Professor Dr. Harisul Haque in the hospital. He has been suffering from the complexities of diabetes, Kidney and Lunges for a long time.

 

It was learnt that the poet suddenly fell sick on Thursday night while he was sitting on chair in his resident. He was rushed to Bardem Hospital immediately. Later, he was taken to Anwer Khan Modern Hospital as there was no seat in Bardem. He is now undergoing treatment at Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in the hospital.

 

Azad was born on January 20, 1943, in the remote area of Guni, under Tangail district. He had his primary education under British Indian education system from Sadhuty Middle English School, and developed a keen interest in writing from his childhood.

 

On completion of schooling, Azad enrolled at Government Saadat College, Karotia.

 

Azad was one of the most prominent young poets in the post-liberation period. Since then, he began experimentation on language and poetic form, where surrealistic approach was noticeable. He published his first book of poems in 1973. The following year, Bangladesh experienced a famine-like situation. The crises, prevailing across the country at that time, instigated him to write one of his most notable works -- Bhat de haramjada, noile manchitro khabo, a fiery poem. The words reflect a snapshot of the time and the sufferings of the people.

 

During the period and afterwards, Azad`s poetry changed its course a bit and became more personal, lyrical and romantic. However, most of his poetry depicts poverty, sufferings, injustice, inhumanity, urban and rural life as well as political turmoil, social and economic crises.

 

Rafiq has 45 publications under his name, including an autobiography. His notable works include Prokriti O Premer Kabita, Asombhaber Payae, Sahasra Sundar, Haturier Nichae Jibon, Porikirno Panchala Amer Swadesh, Khub Bashi Durea Nay, Karo Ashuro Paat and Pagolar Thekay Premikar Chithi.

 

Azad received Ekushey Padak for his outstanding contribution to the field of poetry in 2013.

 

Risngbd/Dhaka/Jan 15, 2016/Hasan/A K Azad