Former Bangla Academy director Rashid Haider dies

Liberation War researcher, former director of Bangla Academy and noted writer Rashid Haider has died today.

"Ekushey Padak" and "Bangla Academy"-winning litterateur Rashid Haider died of old-age complications at around 10am on Tuesday at the age of 79.

Rashid had been suffering from old age complications for the past few days, Somoy News reported.

The Namaz-e-Janaza of Rashid Haider will be held at the central mosque of Dhaka University after Zuhr prayers today. Later, he will be buried in Dhaka's Azimpur Graveyard at around 12:30 pm.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday expressed deep shock at the death of Ekushey Padak winning littérateur, noted writer and researcher Rashid Haider.

In a condolence message, the Prime Minister said Rashid Haider will be remembered for his research works on the great Liberation War and his contributions to the Bengali literature.

Sheikh Hasina wished the salvation of his departed soul and expressed deep sympathy for his bereaved family members.

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of former Bangla Academy Director, eminent writer and Liberation War researcher Rashid Haider.

In a condolence message, he prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family, said a press release here.

Rashid Haider was awarded Ekushey Padak in 2014. He was a popular author and novelist.

He was born in July 15, 1941 in Pabna's Dohapara village.