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DHAKA, Oct 24, 2025 (BSS) - The 'Vasha-Songrami Ahmed Rafiq Mourning National Committee' today paid tribute to the late language movement veteran Ahmed Rafiq, who dedicated his life to promoting the Bangla language.
The committee organized a mourning programme at the Sahittya Bisharad Abdul Karim Auditorium of Bangla Academy this afternoon.
Prof. Emeritus Serajul Islam Choudhury, convener of the committee, presided over the event.
The programme began with a floral wreath-laying ceremony at a portrait of the late Ahmed Rafiq, followed by the singing of Rabindra Sangeet. A minute of silence was observed in his memory.
In his welcome speech, Prof. Serajul Islam Choudhury said, "Ahmed Rafiq was like an elder brother to us, affectionately called 'Rafiqu Vai.' He was unique in character and nature. Today, we mourn his absence."
Referring to him as 'Vasha-Songrami,' Prof. Serajul added, "He believed in revolution and struggle, and the duty of a revolutionary never ends. His connection with language and culture was extraordinary. He worked quietly behind the scenes during the 1952 Language Movement and later continued to promote Bangla literature and cultural awareness."
He further noted, "Ahmed Rafiq's cultural efforts were aimed at transforming society and creating a more just and balanced community. True tribute to him will be realized when we build a discrimination-free society."
Speaking at the program, Munir Shiraj, chairman of the Ahmed Rafiq Foundation, said, "We have gathered to honor and express our deep sorrow at the passing of eminent language movement veteran Ahmed Rafiq. He was one of the foremost figures in Bengali literary research and received numerous awards, including the Amar Ekushey Padak and the Bangla Academy Award."
The biography of Ahmed Rafiq was also displayed during the event.
Ahmed Rafiq was a devoted Rabindra researcher, essayist, and columnist. He authored major works on the writings of Jibanananda Das and Kazi Nazrul Islam, and conducted extensive studies on public health awareness and the evolution of Bangladeshi poetry from the 1930s to the 1980s.
He passed away on October 2 at the age of 96 while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka.
