Ekushey Padak-winning poet Al Mujahidi, a leading figure in Bangla literature, passed away on Friday at 1:40 p.m. while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Dhaka. He was 83. According to family sources, he had been suffering from multiple health complications for nearly two years, including heart and kidney problems. He was admitted to United Hospital on April 23, later discharged, and then readmitted to Crescent Hospital and again to United Hospital as his condition worsened. He was placed on life support on June 16 and died following cardiac arrest.

Born on June 19, 1943, in Tangail, Al Mujahidi served as the literary editor of the daily Ittefaq for over three decades. He published more than 20 poetry collections and over 50 books, including novels, short stories, and children’s literature. His daughter Mariama said burial is likely to take place at Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard on Saturday.

Relatives, admirers, and political figures expressed grief over his death, including opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, who posted condolences on social media.