Social media flooded with tributes to deceased poet Helal Hafiz

Poet Helal Hafiz is dead. He suffered stroke after a fall in a wash room at BBSMMU Hospital on Friday and breathed his last.

Dhaka, Dec 13 - Throughout Friday, netizens including prominent personalities have been writing sincere condolences on Facebook, remembering the renowned Bangladeshi poet-journalist Helal Hafiz who passed away earlier in the day.

The legendary poet suffered a fatal injury following a fall in the bathroom of Super Home, a residence located in the capital’s Shahbagh at about 2:30 pm on Friday, and was taken to BSMMU where he was pronounced dead.

As soon as the news broke, netizens flooded Facebook with tribute posts - sharing some of the famous lines of the eminent poet’s timeless poems highlighting love, grief and sadness.

Sharing some of the lines from the revered poet’s popular poem ‘Ekti Potaka Pele’, Cultural Adviser and filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki wrote on his official Facebook profile: “Though he authored a wide range of poetry, poet Helal Hafiz is mostly always associated with the melodies of youth. In July, we were required to compose poetry in challenging circumstances. Sorrow and homage to the poet.”

On his verified Facebook profile, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam posted the entirety of the aforementioned poem and wrote, "Goodbye, poet Helal Hafiz. You and your poems will live in my memory.”

From its official page, Bangla Academy posted the official tribute statement of its Director General Dr Mohammad Azam: “Helal Hafiz is an unforgettable name in Bengali poetry. He has won the hearts of a large number of readers with his few poems; his poetry has given language to the procession of the assembled people, as well as the favourite companion of the lonely psyche of the individuals.”

Helal Hafiz was awarded the prestigious Bangla Academy Award in 2013 and was a fellow of the academy, and Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki in his post mentioned that the revered poet’s first Namaz-E-Janaza will be held on Saturday, 11 am at the academy.

Expressing her heartfelt grievance, singer Elita Karim wrote on her Facebook: “Helal Hafiz is no more. My heart feels heavy right now. So long, dearest poet! Farewell and hope you are happier on the other side!”

Renowned lyricist Shahan Kabondho wrote: “We don't really understand people - and that is why, one of the most popular poets of Bengali literature passed away after spending the last life in carelessness. He is an emotion for us - he is the Helal Hafiz.”

Popular actor Tony Dias shared his own recitation of Hafiz’s poem ‘Prrithok Pahar’ on his Facebook profile, writing: “Farewell, dear poet. Humble regards.”

Actress Meher Afroze Shaon also poured her heartfelt tribute to the poet and shared his poem ‘Manobanol’, writing: “Helal Hafiz, the poet of rebellion, the poet of affection. You will be in my respect, in my love.”

Popular music director Emon Chowdhury composed a song titled 'Potro Diyo' back in December 2022, based on the revered poet's timeless and one of the most popular poems 'Prosthan'. The song, voiced by popular singer Tanzir Tuhin, garnered enormous popularity.

Sharing the song as his tribute to the late poet, Emon Chowdhury wrote: "Legends never die. Farewell, poet Helal Hafiz. Sincere respect." Besides the aforementioned personalities, netizens from all walks of life and cultural institutions-organizations, including Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, shared heartfelt tributes to the late great poet. - UNB