Professor Abdul Gafur, a prominent figure of the Language Movement and veteran journalist, passed away today (27 September) at the age of 95 in a hospital in the capital.
His son, Tarikh Al Banna, reported that he took his last breath at 2:43 pm at Asgar Ali Hospital, where he was receiving treatment after being admitted on Thursday following a heart attack.
Professor Gafur leaves behind three sons, three daughters, and numerous relatives and admirers. He will be laid to rest at Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard after a namaz-e-janaza at Jatiya Press Club at 8 pm, according to Tarikh.
An active member of the Tamaddun Majlish, Professor Gafur played a key role in advocating for Bengali as the national language during the historic events of February 21, 1952. During this time, he served as the editor of the newspaper “Sainik.”
After earning his master’s degree from Dhaka University in 1962, he briefly worked in government service before dedicating 17 years to teaching at Abu Jar Gifari College in Dhaka and Rajendra College in Faridpur.
He also held significant positions as the Director of Publications at the Islamic Foundation and Superintendent of Darul Ulum.
His journalism career spanned several renowned newspapers, including the Daily Millat, Daily Azad, Daily Desh, Daily Inqilab, Daily Najat, and the English Daily People.
Leaders from various organizations, such as the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists and the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ), have expressed profound grief over his passing and prayed for the eternal peace of his soul.
