Language movement hero Abdul Matin passed away in city’s Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital on Wednesday morning. He was 87.

Family sources said, Matin breathed his last at the ICU of the hospital around 9am.

The language movement veteran, popularly known as 'Bhasha Matin', had suffered a stroke on August 18 and undergone a surgery at the BSMMU.

He was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital on August 19. Later, he was kept on life support following deterioration of his condition.

He left behind his wife, two daughters, a host of admirers and well-wishers to mourn his death.

The body will be brought on the premises of the Central Shaheed Minar on Thursday for the people from all walks of life to pay their tribute.

Bhasha Matin donated his body to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital for medical research and his eyes to Sandhani. BSMMU authority have already been informed about the matter.

Born on Dec 3, 1926 at Dhublia village of Sirajganj district, Abdul Matin was a leader of the Workers Party of Bangladesh. He was a student leader and one of the organizers of the Language Movement.

Dhaka University in 2008 conferred an honorary doctor of law degree on him for his role in the movement.

UNB adds, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep shock at the demise of Language movement hero Abdul Matin.

In a condolence message conveyed by the President's press secretary Ihsanul Karim over phone, Abdul Hamid said the nation has lost a legend of the Language Movement at the demise of Abdul Matin.

He also said the national will ever remember with deep respect the role of the language movement veteran in realising the rights of mother tongue.

Abdul Hamid prayed for salvation of the departed soul and expressed his sympathy to the bereaved family members.

In a condolence message, PM said the first step for the independence of the country was taken through the great Language Movement.

“Abdul Matin was one of the fighters of that historic movement. His death is the end of a living history,” she said.

The Prime Minister prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and expressed her sincere sympathy to the bereaved family.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia also expressed her deep shock at the death of Bhasha Matin.

She prayed for salvation of the departed soul and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family members.


TF/LY