Poet Habibullah Siraji (Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilahi Raziun), Director General of Bangla Academy, breathed his last (Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilahi Raziun).
He died at a private hospital in the capital around 11pm on Monday (May 24). He was 73 years old. Habibullah Siraji, who was diagnosed with cancer, was admitted to the Bangladesh Specialized Hospital in Shyamoli on April 25. He was on ventilation for a few days, said AHM Lokman, secretary of the Bangla Academy.
Habibullah Siraji has been the Director General of Bangla Academy since 2016.
He was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2016, the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1991 and various local and foreign awards and honors.
Habibullah Siraji was born on 31 December 1948 in Faridpur town. He received his secondary education from Faridpur Zilla School, his higher secondary from Faridpur Rajendra College and next he graduated from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).
The secretary of Bangla Academy said that the body of Habibullah Siraj will be taken to the premises of Bangla Academy at 10 am on Tuesday for paying homage. He will be buried at Azimpur graveyard later.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has condoled the death of Poet Habibullah Siraji and expressed her sympathy to the bereaved family. She also said in the condolence message that the country has lost a great son.