Dhaka – People from different walks of life paid glowing tribute to the Syed Shamsul Haq, an eminent Bangla poet, at Central Shaheed Minar on Wednesday.

President Abdul Hamid placed floral wreath at the coffin of the poet after his body was taken to the Central Shaheed Minar. Floral wreath was also placed on behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is now on a visit to the United States.

Haq passed away on Tuesday at the age of 81.

The writer breathed his last at the United Hospital in Dhaka in the evening after long ailment. He had been undergoing treatment at the oncology department since September 1, hospital and family sources said.

Haq left behind his wife Anwara Syed Haq, son Ditio Syed-Haq, daughter Bidita Sadi and a host of relatives and well-wishers.

The writer will be buried at his village home in northern Kurigram district.

Born in 1935, Haq passed higher secondary certificate exam from Jagannath College and then admitted to Dhaka University.

He was well known for his prose as poetry. He enriched the Bangla literature with writing novels, short story and poems among others. He also acted in drama.

Haq was honoured with Bangla Academy Award in 1966, Ekushey Padak in 1984 and Swadhinata Award in 2000 for his contributions to Bangla literature.

Earlier, the first funeral prayer of the poet was held on the premises of the private TV channel i in Dhaka this morning. Then the body was taken to Bangla Academy premises.

Members of different social and cultural groups paid tributes to him after Haq’s body was taken to the Central Shaheed Minar.

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