Expressing deep grief over the death of poet Helal Hafiz,the chief advisor of the interim government,Professor Dr.Muhammad Yunus said, ‘Poet Helal Hafiz was the power of youth and a bold voice against tyranny. Like his timeless poetry, he will be forever remembered in the hearts of people.’
In his condolence message on Friday (december 13), Muhammad Yunus said, “The death of Helal Hafiz, the poet of betrayal and love, is an irreparable loss for the Bengali language and literary arena.”
The chief adviser wished the poet peace in his afterlife and expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family.
Helal Hafeez, the poet of love and betrayal who made a mark in people’s hearts with his poem ‘The water that burns’, died on Friday (December 13) afternoon (inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raziun). He was 76 years old.
Helal Hafiz’s first book of poetry ‘Je Jale Agun Jbaye’ was published in 1986. The poems were written between 1969 and 1985. Struggle, struggle, love-discord, treachery emerges in his poems. Like ‘Forbidden Editorial’, ‘Agnyutsava’ poetry also ignites fire in the pores of the body.
In 2012, Helal Hafiz’s second book of poetry ‘Kavita Ekatar’ was published by adding some other poems to the poetry book ‘Je Jale Agun Jbaye’. Finally in 2019, the third book of poetry ‘Bednake Kaguhi Kendo Na’ was published.
Helal Hafiz was born on October 7, 1948 in Netrakona. grew up there. In 1967, he was admitted to the Bengali Department of Dhaka university. In 1972, when he was a student of Dhaka University, he joined the journalism of the then national newspaper Daily Purbadesh.
Till 1975 he was the literary editor of Daily Purbadesh. At the end of 1976, he joined the literary editorship of Dainik Desh Patrika. He was last working in Dainik Yugantar.
Helal Hafiz won the Bangla Academy Award in 2013. Besides, he has received other awards including Jessohar Sahitya Parishad Award, Abul Mansoor Ahmad Sahitya Award, Netrakona Sahitya Samaj, Kavi Khaleddad Chowdhury Sahitya Padak.
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How can communities effectively honor the legacy of Helal Hafiz?
Interview between the Time.news Editor adn Dr. Muhammad Yunus on the Legacy of Helal Hafiz
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, dr. Muhammad Yunus. Today, we are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our greatest poets, Helal Hafiz. You expressed profound grief over his passing. can you share with us what he meant to you personally and to the literary community at large?
Dr. Yunus: Thank you for having me. Helal Hafiz was not just a poet; he was a symbol of hope and resistance for many, notably the youth. His words resonated with the struggles of our society and provided a voice against tyranny. Personally, his poetry inspired me to think critically about the world around us. He had a unique ability to articulate the unspoken feelings of our generation.
Editor: Indeed, his role as a guiding voice for the youth is widely recognized. In what ways do you think his writings will continue to influence young people today?
Dr. Yunus: Helal Hafiz’s poetry combines passion with profound wisdom that speaks to the heart and mind. His verses encourage young people to question authority, to seek justice, and to express themselves freely. In a world were the youth often face oppression, his writings serve as a reminder that they can be agents of change.I believe his legacy will live on through the voices he inspired.
Editor: You mentioned that he was a ‘bold voice against tyranny.’ Could you elaborate on how his poetry addressed social and political issues?
Dr. Yunus: Absolutely. Helal Hafiz didn’t shy away from challenging societal norms or highlighting political injustices. His works often captured the essence of struggle against oppressive regimes. As a notable example,in his poetry,he vividly portrayed the anguish of the marginalized and the beauty of their resilience. By doing so,he not only documented our history but also provided a literary platform for advocacy and change.
Editor: It seems that his impact is profound and multifaceted. In your opinion, what are some specific themes in his poetry that will continue to resonate with future generations?
Dr. Yunus: I think themes of resilience, love, and social justice will always strike a chord. His exploration of the human condition, the complexities of love in times of struggle, and his unwavering call for freedom make his works timeless. As long as there are young people facing adversity,they will relate to his messages.His ability to connect personal experiences to larger societal issues is particularly powerful.
Editor: As we reflect on his passing, how can we honor Helal Hafiz’s legacy in our communities moving forward?
Dr. Yunus: Honoring helal Hafiz’s legacy involves keeping his spirit alive through our actions. We can start by promoting his poetry in schools and literary forums. Encouraging discussions around his themes can cultivate a culture of critical thinking and resilience. moreover, we should continue to support and uplift voices in our community that speak truth to power, just as he did.
Editor: Dr. Yunus, thank you for sharing your insights today. Helal Hafiz’s legacy is indeed a powerful gift to our culture and society.Let’s hope his spirit continues to inspire us to strive for a better world.
Dr.Yunus: Thank you for having me. It is crucial that we remember and celebrate poets like Helal Hafiz, who challenges us to think, feel, and act.