Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Badruddin Umar. File Photo

DHAKA, Sept 7, 2025 (BSS) - Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has expressed deep sorrow over the death of prominent writer, researcher and leftist intellectual Badruddin Umar.

In a Facebook post today, the adviser said, "Umar Bhai went beyond the one-sided history manufacturing factory and highlighted the important turning points of Bangladesh in his writings. His discussions on history and political analysis are truly unique." 

"Unfortunately, institutions sidelined him for questioning dominant narratives," he added.

Recalling the Ekushey Padak nomination process, he said although Badruddin had never accepted awards but the government decided to honor him.

Because Umar Bhai does not need the award rather, the award needs him, he stated. 

The government has ensured keeping his books in public libraries, he said.

"We deeply mourn the death of Badruddin Umar. His thoughts and analysis have been a tremendous intellectual strength for us," the adviser added.

Badruddin Umar passed away due to old-age complications at a city hospital at the age of 94 today.

"Badruddin Umar died at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital at 10:05am after a long struggle with age-related complications," Jatiya Mukti Council Secretary Foyzul Hakim said in a statement. 

Foyzul said he was admitted to the hospital on July 22 with shortness of breath and low blood pressure. After receiving treatment for 10 days, he was discharged last week, he added. 

Badruddin Umar was born on December 20, 1931 in Bardhaman of India. His father Abul Hashim was a Muslim nationalist politician of the sub-continent. 

His writings on the nationalist movement in Bangladesh, religion, and politics left an immense impact on the liberation of Bangladesh. Some of his famous works include Samprodayikota (1966), Sangskritir Sangkat (1967), and Sangskritik Samprodayikota (1969). 

A longtime Marxist thinker, Badruddin Umar debuted his career as a part-time lecturer at Dhaka University. Then he founded the Department of Sociology at Rajshahi University. 

He was the president of the Bangladesh Krishok Federation and served as central coordinator of the Gonotantrik Biplobi Jote.

He was once a member of the central committee of the Purba Banglar Communist Party.

In 2003, Badruddin established the Jatiya Mukti Council, where he served as president until his death.