The quiet existence and exit of Helal Hafiz

Sketch: TBS

During his days as a student at Dhaka University, a casual stroll across campus became a defining moment for Helal Hafiz, one that would later inspire a poem of profound impact.

It was 1969, a time of mass uprisings when Hafiz found himself witnessing a chaotic clash between protestors and law enforcement. Amid the turmoil, a rickshaw puller's impassioned cry cut through the noise: "Fight! Fight! Fight! Even murder is justified for love."

These words, raw and striking, stayed with Hafiz, resonating in his mind until they transformed into the foundation of his iconic poem, Nishiddho Shompadokio (The Forbidden Editorial). Its opening lines — "For the young, now is the time to march, for the young, now is the time to fight" — became rallying cries during Bangladesh's Liberation War of 1971 and numerous movements that followed. The simplicity and universality of these words turned them into slogans scrawled on university walls, recited in protests, and remembered across generations.

Veteran poet Mohammad Nurul Huda's words ring true, "Though he didn't write much, what he did write will never be forgotten. Helal Hafiz will live on through his works."

On a Friday afternoon, 13 December 2024, Bangladesh mourned the loss of its cherished poet. Helal Hafiz, whose words fueled revolutions and inspired resilience, passed away at 76. 

He took his final breath at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, as confirmed by Brigadier General Rezaur Rahman. Even in death, Hafiz's legacy endures, his verses immortalized in the hearts of those who continue to march, fight, and dream.

Hafiz's journey to literary immortality began in 1986 with the publication of his first poetry collection, 'Je Jole Agun Jole'. Even those who were not avid readers of poetry found themselves moved by the depth and emotion in his words. 

His lines often reflected the struggles, loves, and revolutions of his life. Through his verses, he became a voice of resistance, a chronicler of love and pain, and an unrelenting critic of oppression.

Born in 1948, Helal Hafiz lost his mother at the tender age of three, and the subsequent passing of his father in 1973 left him completely alone. Despite these tragedies, he transformed his grief into powerful poetry that resonated with the masses. 

The tumultuous period of the late 1960s and early 1970s served as the backdrop for much of his work. 'Nishiddho Shompadokio', was born during the mass uprising of 1969.

The journey to publishing 'Nishiddho Shompadokio' was not without its challenges. When Hafiz first presented the poem to Ahsan Habib, editor of the government-backed 'Daily Pakistan', it was rejected due to its overtly revolutionary tone. 

However, two of Hafiz's friends took matters into their own hands, scrawling the poem's first lines across the walls of Dhaka University. Within days, these words had spread like wildfire, capturing the spirit of an entire generation.

Despite writing only a few poems, Hafiz's fame skyrocketed. His work spoke not only of political rebellion but also of love, longing, and heartbreak. Poems like 'Ogni Uthshob' captured the raw emotion of a country torn apart by war, while 'Prosthan' delved into the universal pain of love lost.

Hafiz was not a prolific poet, yet his few works left an indelible mark. His second collection, 'Kobita Ekattor', was published in 2012, decades after his debut. His final work, 'Bedonake Bolechi Kedo Na' , came in 2019. 

For many, his poetry was not just art — it was a way of life. His words became the voice of the voiceless, challenging injustice and oppression at every turn. Whether through the flames of revolution or the quiet agony of heartbreak, Hafiz's poetry echoed the complexities of life.

As he grew older, Hafiz often reflected on the three pivotal events that shaped his life. The first was the massacre at Dhaka University on 25 March, 1971, during Operation Searchlight. Narrowly escaping death, he described his survival as a "bonus life," which deepened his sense of purpose.

The second event was the death of his father in 1973, which left him feeling adrift in the world. And finally, the loss of his first love, Helen, profoundly impacted his perspective on love and life. These personal tragedies intertwined with national crises to mould Hafiz into the poet we came to admire.

In his later years, Hafiz expressed both regret and gratitude. He lamented the poems left unwritten and the time lost to life's distractions. Yet, he remained thankful for the love and recognition he received, even crediting his critics for pushing him to greatness.

Helal Hafiz's poetry continues to inspire new generations. His lines have been translated into multiple languages, including English, Hindi, German, and French. While some of his works have been adapted into songs, he believed that their true power lay in their original form — as slogans, as cries for justice, and as reflections of the human spirit.

As Bangladesh mourns the loss of one of its literary figures, Helal Hafiz's words remain etched in the hearts of many. His poetry, much like the man himself, will continue to inspire, provoke, and comfort for years to come. Helal Hafiz may have departed, but his legacy will endure, burning brightly in the hearts of those who march, fight, and love.