Akhtar Hossain no more: Children’s literature loses a devoted craftsman - Prothom Alo English

Akhtar HossainFile Photo: Prothom AloThe man who filled children’s hearts with pure joy through his delightful rhymes has passed away. Akhtar Hossain, one of the leading rhymesters in Bangladesh’s children’s literature, has departed this world for eternity.

He breathed his last on Thursday afternoon while he was undergoing treatment at Bangladesh Medical University. The university authorities and his two sons, Pantha and Pramit, confirmed his death.

Never again will he write rhymes such as ‘Hayre, Khoborta KI Uro?’, enchanting stories or inspiring songs. During the Liberation War, he wrote the stirring song ‘Shadhin Shadhin Dike Dike Jagchhe Bangalira’. The world of joy that Akhtar Hossain had created for children for nearly six decades has now come to an end.

Akhtar Hossain’s death has left a deep void in the country’s children’s literature. He was 81. He was born on 1 November 1945 in Nurullapur village of Lalpur upazila in Natore. He had been suffering from age-related ailments for a long time. He passed away on Thursday, leaving behind his two sons, relatives, friends and countless admirers.

His family said Akhtar Hossain had been suffering from cancer for a long time. Most recently, he suffered a brain haemorrhage and his blood pressure fell. Due to his health complications, he was initially admitted to a hospital in Farmgate.

He was then taken to BIRDEM Hospital, followed by Green Life Hospital. He was later transferred to Bangladesh Medical University. He had been on life support since Friday. Details of his funeral prayer and burial will be announced later.