Ekushey Padak-winning poet, veteran freedom fighter and long-time literary editor of the Daily Ittefaq, Al Mujahidi, died on Friday.

He was 86.

Al Mujahidi is survived by his wife, a son, a daughter and grandchildren.

Prime minister Tarique Rahman on Friday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Al Mujahidi.

In a message of condolence, Tarique prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha reported.

He said Mujahidi had played a strong role throughout his life in favour of democracy, human rights, and the independence and sovereignty of the country.

‘His death has created a profound void in our literary and cultural arena that will not be easy to fill,’ the prime minister added.

The poet died at about 2:00pm while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in the capital Dhaka, his daughter, Parama Mujahidi, said.

He had been suffering from heart and kidney disorders, alongside other old-age complications, for the past couple of years.

His first janaza was held at the Dhaka University Central Mosque and the second at Uttara on Friday evening, after which his body was placed in a refrigerated van.

His body will be taken to the Central Shaheed Minar at 11:00am today and later to the National Press Club at 12:00pm to allow the public to pay their last respects.

Following a final janaza at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque after asr prayers, he will be laid to rest at the Martyred Intellectuals Graveyard at Mirpur in the capital.

Poet Al Mujahidi was born in June 1940 in Tangail. Over his illustrious career, he published more than 50 books, including 20 poetry collections.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Bengali language and literature, the poet was awarded the prestigious Ekushey Padak in 2003.