Lyricist Gobinda Halder, whose patriotic songs had inspired millions of Bangalees during Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, died at a Kolkata hospital in India on Saturday. He was 84.
Gobinda Halder breathed his last while undergoing treatment at Jitendra Nath Roy Hospital in Kolkata at 10.20 am (local time), Mofakkharul Iqbal, first secretary (Press) of Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, told UNB over phone.
He is survived by wife, one daughter and a host of relatives and well-wishers.
Halder, who composed many immortal songs for the erstwhile Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, had long been suffering from various old age complications.
On December 22 last, President Abdul Hamid visited Gobinda Halder at Jitendra Nath Roy Hospital in Kolkata during his six-day visit to India.
The lyricist composed a number of famous songs, including 'Mora Ekti Phulke Bachabo Bole Juddho Kori', 'Ek Sagor Rokter Binimoye Banglar Swadhinata Anlo Jara', 'Purbo Digonte Surjo Uthechhe Rokto Lal' and 'Padma Meghna Jamuna Tomar Amar Thikana'.
Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid expressed deep shock at the death of lyricist Gobinda Halder.
In a condolence message, the President said the songs written by Gobinda Halder during the Liberation War had inspired the freedom fighters. "At his death, the nation has lost a true friend. The people of Bangladesh will always remember him for his contributions towards the country's Liberation War," he added.
Abdul Hamid prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved family members.
In another condolence message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep shock and profound sorrow at the death of the eminent lyricist and composer, saying the people of Bangladesh has lost a genuine friend his death. ?UNB