Poet Found Dead in Shahbagh Hostel Washroom

Poet Helal Hafiz Found Dead in Shahbagh Hostel

Renowned poet Helal Hafiz was found dead on Friday, December 13, at a hostel in Shahbagh, Dhaka. The poet, who lived in the Super Home Hostel, was discovered in the common washroom with a head injury. Blood was reportedly coming from his wound. His body is currently at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. 

Shahbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Khalil Mansur confirmed the incident. He stated that Helal Hafiz had gone to the common washroom in the afternoon. When he did not respond for a long time, other hostel residents knocked on the door. After receiving no answer, they broke the door and found the poet lying on the floor. His head appeared to have been injured, and a broken basin was found nearby.

"We believe he may have fallen due to a stroke or another health issue," said OC Khalil. "It seems he hit the basin during the fall, causing it to break and injure his head."

A Life Dedicated to Poetry

Helal Hafiz was born on October 7, 1948, in Netrakona. His debut poetry collection, Je Jal Agun Jalye (The Fire That Burns Water), was published in 1986 and brought him widespread acclaim. In 2013, he received the prestigious Bangla Academy Award for his contribution to poetry.

The poet completed his SSC at Netrokona Dutta High School in 1965 and HSC at Netrokona College in 1967. That same year, he enrolled in the Bangla Department at Dhaka University. While still a student, he joined the national newspaper Purbudesh as a journalist in 1972 and later worked for Desh and Jugantar in editorial roles.

Recognition and Achievements

Helal Hafiz was honored with several awards during his lifetime, including the Jessore Sahitya Parishad Award (1986), Abul Mansur Ahmed Sahitya Parishad Award (1987), and the Kabi Khalekdad Chowdhury Award.

His poem Nishiddho Sambhogo, written during the 1969 mass uprising, became a hallmark of his career, reflecting the turbulent times he lived through. His second book, Kavita Ekattor (Poetry ’71), was published in 2012, 26 years after his first collection, and also gained widespread popularity.

Known for his contemporary poetic language, Helal Hafiz wrote about love, betrayal, and the struggles of his time. His works resonate deeply with readers, cementing his legacy as one of Bangladesh’s most beloved poets.

A Tragic End

Helal Hafiz’s untimely death marks the end of a remarkable journey in Bangladeshi literature. His contributions to poetry and journalism will be remembered for generations.

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