Death – Obituary- Cause of death News : Obituary – Death – Cause of Death News :

Abdul Gafur: Language Movement Activist, Veteran Journalist, and Teacher Passes Away at 95

Abdul Gafur, a prominent figure in the Language Movement, veteran journalist, and respected teacher, has passed away at the age of 95 while undergoing treatment at a private hospital. His son, Tarik Al Banna, confirmed the sad news, stating that his father breathed his last at Asgar Ali Hospital in Dhaka’s Shamibag at 2:43 pm.

Gafur, who had been battling heart problems, was admitted to the hospital on Thursday. The family has announced that funeral prayers will be held at the Jatiya Press Club mosque at 8 pm, followed by his burial at the Martyred Intellectuals Graveyard in Mirpur. He is survived by three sons and three daughters.

As a member of Tamaddin Majlish, Gafur actively participated in the Language Movement, advocating for the recognition of Bangla as a state language of then West Pakistan on Feb 21, 1952. During this period, he served as the editor of the ‘Sainik’ newspaper.

After completing his postgraduate studies at Dhaka University in 1962, Gafur dedicated himself to public service and later transitioned to teaching at Abuddhar Ghifari College in Dhaka and Government Rajendra College in Faridpur for 17 years. Additionally, he held positions as the director of publications at the Islamic Foundation and superintendent of Darul Ulam.

Throughout his career, Gafur also made significant contributions to journalism, working with various media outlets such as Dainik Millat, Dainik Azad, Dainik Desh, Daily Inqilab, the English daily People, and Dainik Nazat. His passing has been met with heartfelt condolences from organizations like the Federal Journalists Union, Dhaka Reporters Union, and Rajbari District Journalists Association.

Abdul Gafur’s legacy as a champion of language rights, dedicated educator, and influential journalist will continue to inspire generations to come.

Abdul Gafur, a prominent activist of the Language Movement in Bangladesh, passed away at the age of 95. His dedication to the preservation and promotion of the Bengali language made him a revered figure in the country’s history. In this article, we will delve into the life and legacy of Abdul Gafur, exploring his contributions to the Language Movement and his impact on the linguistic identity of Bangladesh.

Who was Abdul Gafur?

Abdul Gafur was born in a small village in the Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in the Bengali language and culture, which would shape his future activism. Gafur was inspired by the sacrifices made by language martyrs during the Language Movement of 1952, a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s history.

What was the Language Movement?

The Language Movement was a political and cultural movement in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) that advocated for the recognition of the Bengali language as one of the official languages of Pakistan. The movement culminated in the events of February 21, 1952, when students and activists took to the streets to protest against the imposition of Urdu as the sole official language.

How did Abdul Gafur contribute to the Language Movement?

Abdul Gafur was an active participant in the Language Movement, organizing rallies, protests, and cultural events to raise awareness about the importance of the Bengali language. He played a key role in mobilizing support for the movement and was instrumental in galvanizing public opinion against the imposition of Urdu.

What was Abdul Gafur’s legacy?

Abdul Gafur’s legacy is one of unwavering commitment to the Bengali language and its cultural significance. His efforts helped secure the recognition of Bengali as one of the official languages of Pakistan in 1956, a significant victory for the Language Movement. Gafur’s advocacy for linguistic rights inspired future generations to embrace their cultural heritage and language.

How will Abdul Gafur be remembered?

Abdul Gafur will be remembered as a fearless activist who dedicated his life to the preservation and promotion of the Bengali language. His contributions to the Language Movement laid the foundation for the linguistic identity of Bangladesh and continue to inspire activists fighting for language rights around the world.

In conclusion, Abdul Gafur’s passing marks the end of an era for the Language Movement in Bangladesh. His legacy will live on through the generations who continue to champion the cause of linguistic diversity and cultural preservation. Abdul Gafur’s contributions will forever be etched in the annals of history, serving as a beacon of inspiration for those who strive for a more inclusive and language-inclusive society.

Sources:
1. The Daily Star
2. BDNews24