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Leading litterateurs of the country expressed deep shock at the death of Ekushey Padak-winning poet and writer Asim Saha.

Asim Saha, 75, passed away in the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University in the capital on Tuesday.

¶¶Òõ¾«Æ· spoke to poet-essayist Tushar Das, poet-essayist Razu Alauddin, poet-essayist Kumar Chakraborty, fiction writer-essayist Faizul Islam and fiction writer-essayist Maskwaith Ahsan who shared their memories of Asim Saha and recalled his contribution to Bangla literature.

Tushar Das said that he had known poet Asim Saha since 1975, especially after the passing away of poet Abul Hasan.

‘That departure forced us to sit and cry in another city. When I came to Dhaka, I also saw a very politically aware writer who used to write long poems. In the then military-ruled country, writers and artistes all over the country were vocal against the various injustices, and Asim Saha was no exception,’ says Tushar Das.

‘Although all deaths look the same to me, the poet’s death is always different because the poet is a creative person. I am deeply saddened by the death of poet Asim Saha,’ adds Tushar Das.

Razu Alauddin said that he still remembered the extensive conversation he had with Asim Saha at a literary event in Cox’s Bazar.

‘I read some of his poems, but as a person I liked him. He had a sense of courtesy. He enjoyed the literary chit-chats. I still remember the extensive conversation I had with him at a literary event in Cox’s Bazar,’ mentions Razu Alauddin.

‘I have been saddened to learn of the poet’s death, and I extend my sincere sympathy to his family,’ he adds.

Kumar Chakraborty says, ‘I was awarded the Humayun Azad Kabita Puraskar in 2011, and Asim Saha was a guest at the event. He discussed my poetry. We also discussed various literary topics. I am truly sorry to hear about the news of his death, and I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his bereaved family.’

‘In the 1980s, youths used to organise many recitation programmes in Dhaka. Poet Asim Saha occasionally participated in such programmes and recited his poems. I used to notice him then for his philosophical tone,’ recalls Faizul Islam, adding that in those days, many literary magazines were published by Ityadi Printers in Nilkhet and Asim Saha was the proprietor of that press.

‘I used to go to the press with friends. Therefore, I had an opportunity to observe Asim Saha closely. Some young poets used to go there to talk to him as well. He never talked a lot but used to listen to people most of the time. Sometimes, young poets used to recite their poems and he used to make brief comments about their work,’ says Faizul Islam.

‘Asim Saha had an elegant bearing and personality. His reassuring face and kind gestures left a lasting impression on us. We always knew him as an icon of a real poet, who did not have to undertake a dishonest way,’ mentions Faizul Islam.

Maskwaith Ahsan says, ‘Although poet Asim Saha passed away, he left behind poems, stories and loving memories. The poet celebrated life. He was a great conversationalist. I think that his friends were waiting for him in heaven. I have been deeply saddened by the news of his passing.’

Asim Saha’s body has been kept at the mortuary of the BSMMU. His body is scheduled to be kept on the Bangla Academy premises at 11:00am today so that people from all walks of life can pay their last tributes to the poet.

Asim Saha received the Ekushey Padak, the country’s second-highest civilian honour, in 2019 for his significant contribution to the Bangla language and literature. Additionally, he received the Bangla Academy Award in 2012.

Asim Saha was born on February 20, 1949 in Netrokona.

He completed his secondary education in 1965 and higher secondary education from Madaripur Government Nazimuddin College in 1967.

In 1973, he obtained his post-graduate degree from the University of Dhaka.

He penned over 30 books, including ‘Purbo-Pritibir Asthir Jyotsonay’, ‘Kalo Paloker Niche’, ‘Pajar Bhangar Shabda’, ‘Prem Padabali’, ‘Madhyarater Pratidhyani’, ‘Barnahin Bedona’, ‘Punoruddhar’, ‘Udbastu’, ‘Modhyarater Protidhwani’ and others.