Abul Hossain no more

Md Abul Hossain, who had erected with others the first-ever Shaheed Minar in Rajshahi on the night of February 21, 1952, passed away yesterday. 

The language movement veteran was 87, said his son Abul Hasnat Bidyut.

Hossain breathed his last at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital at 4pm. He had been suffering from old-age complications for several weeks, Bidyut said.

Born in India's Maldaha on July 3, 1934, Hossain came to Rajshahi in the 1950s and got admitted to Rajshahi College.

On February 21, 1952, Hossain along with other activists erected a pillar with bricks and clay near the main gate of the college hostel, commemorating the martyrs of that day.

The pillar is considered by many as the country's first Shaheed Minar, said Toshikul Islam Raja, author of the book "Rajshahite Bhasha Andolon".

However, the pillar did not last. Muslim League activists, assisted by then Pakistani police, damaged it before sunrise. Later, in place of the pillar, a Shaheed Minar was built, he said.

Rajshahi Mayor AHM Khairuzzman Liton, lawmaker Fazle Hossain Badsha, different social and cultural organisations and press clubs issued statements condoling Hossain's death.

His family sources said, Hossain would be buried at Rajshahi city's Tikapara Graveyard, after the city's people pay their respects to his departed soul.