Nation bids farewell to Language Movement veteran Ahmed Rafiq; body donated for research
Rafiq played an instrumental role in the 1952 Language Movement, working closely with student activists across different campuses and his commitment to the cause was underscored by the fact that he was the only student from Dhaka Medical College against whom an arrest warrant was issued
Language Movement veteran, writer, and cultural figure Ahmed Rafiq was paid final tributes today (4 October) as people from all walks of life gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar to honour his memory.
Following the public tributes, the coffin of the highly respected activist was carried in a solemn funeral procession to the Ibrahim Medical College, where his body was donated for medical students' training and research.
Rafiq passed away on 2 October at the age of 96 while undergoing treatment at Birdem Hospital, Dhaka. Hospital authorities confirmed that he had been on life support and was suffering from multiple chronic conditions, including diabetes, chronic kidney failure, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and a lung infection.
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Born on 12 September 1929, in Shahbazpur, Brahmanbaria, Rafiq initially enrolled to study Chemistry at Dhaka University after completing his higher secondary education at Horganga College in Munshiganj. However, due to residential issues, he transferred to Dhaka Medical College.
Rafiq played an instrumental role in the 1952 Language Movement, working closely with student activists across different campuses. His commitment to the cause was underscored by the fact that he was the only student from Dhaka Medical College against whom an arrest warrant was issued in 1954 for his activism.
Despite earning an MBBS degree, Rafiq chose to dedicate his life to writing and cultural pursuits rather than pursuing a medical career.
In 1958, he published his first book, Shilpo Songskriti Jibon (Art, Culture, and Life).
Throughout his career, Rafiq received numerous prestigious accolades for his outstanding contributions to Bangladeshi literature and culture, including the Ekushey Padak, the Bangla Academy Award, and the Rabindra Sahitya Award.
