Asim Saha, Ekushey Padak-winning poet and novelist, no more

Ekushey Padak-winning poet and novelist Asim Saha passed away this afternoon while undergoing treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) hospital in the capital. He was 75.

“Asim Saha breathed his last at around 2:15pm today … He was undergoing treatment at the intensive care unit of the BSMMU with Parkinson’s disease, constipation, and diabetes,” his family friend poet Mahbuba Rahman Laki told BSS this evening.

He left behind his wife Anjona Saha, who is also a noted singer and poet, and two sons — Avro and Aorga, and a host of relatives and admirers to mourn his death.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep shock and sorrow at the demise of poet Asim Saha.

In a condolence message, Hasina said Asim Saha’s death is an irreparable loss to Bangla language and literature.

The premier prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.

Born on February 20 in 1949 at his maternal uncle’s house in Netrakona district, Saha completed his secondary education in 1965 and his higher secondary at Madaripur Government Nazimuddin College in 1967.

He pursued higher studies at Dhaka University, where he obtained a postgraduate degree in Bengali literature in 1973.

Asim Saha’s contributions to Bangla literature are immense. His poetry, known for its depth and sensitivity, had earned numerous accolades. He was honoured with 12 awards for his outstanding contributions to Bangla literature.

He was honoured with the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 2012.

Meanwhile, the government recognised his contributions to the Bangla language and literature by awarding him the Ekushey Padak, the country’s second-highest civilian award in 2019.

Poet Asim Saha has written over 20 poetry books and novels.

Family sources said the time of his funeral and memorial services is yet to be confirmed.