Shafiqul Islam
The late Director General of Bangla Academy and Ekushey Medal recipient poet Habibullah Siraji was soaked in the respect and love of his colleagues and well-wishers at workplace. After paying respects, he was buried at Azimpur graveyard. Habibullah Siraji died at the Bangladesh Specialized Hospital in Dhaka around 11pm on Monday.

Habibullah Siraji was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2016 for his contribution to Bengali language and literature. On December 20, 2018, the government appointed him as the Director General of Bangla Academy.

Poet Habibullah Siraji’s coffin was brought to the Bangla Academy premises at 9.50 am on Tuesday. After the first janaza at 10 am, people of different professions including the family members of the poet paid their last respects with flowers in his coffin.

On behalf of Bangla Academy, Secretary and Acting Director General of the Academy AHM Lokman paid homage to Habibullah Siraji. Awami League Organizing Secretary Afzal Hossain, Cultural Secretary Asim Kumar Ukil and Office Secretary Biplob Barua paid their respects with flowers on behalf of the party.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Akhtaruzzaman paid tribute. Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of Dhaka University and President of Kabita Parishad Prof Muhammad Samad and General Secretary Tariq Sujat, Golam Kuddus also paid tributes on behalf of Sammilita Sangskritik Jote. Besides, various socio-cultural and political organizations including Bangladesh Writers Club, Bangladesh Chhatra League paid their respects to the late poet. The Ministry of Culture paid homage to Habibullah Siraji at the Bangla Academy premises on Tuesday morning.