Shadow of grief over the death of Professor Rafiqullah Sikder

Late Professor Rafiqullah Sikder, editor and publisher of Dainik Alo Barta and The Daily State, permanent member of the National Press Club and philanthropist, had been suffering from severe pain in various joints of the body including the spine for a long time. He recently underwent an operation due to physical illness. After the operation, his physical condition deteriorated. At one stage, he went into a coma. Later, he was under close observation in the ICU of the capital's Square Hospital. Finally, he breathed his last while undergoing treatment at around 5 pm on August 23. His death has cast...

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Late Professor Rafiqullah Sikder, editor and publisher of Dainik Alo Barta and The Daily State, permanent member of the National Press Club and philanthropist, had been suffering from severe pain in various joints of the body including the spine for a long time. He recently underwent an operation due to physical illness. After the operation, his physical condition deteriorated. At one stage, he went into a coma.
Later, he was under close observation in the ICU of the capital’s Square Hospital. Finally, he breathed his last while undergoing treatment at around 5 pm on August 23. His death has cast a shadow of deep grief over his family, relatives, colleagues, well-wishers and long-time acquaintances.
The first Namaz-e-Janaza of the late Rafiqullah Sikder was held at the Bangla Motor Central Jame Mosque in the capital on August 23 after Isha. Later, the second Namaz-e-Janaza was held at the Mirpur Buddhijibi Kaborsthan Mosque at 10:30 pm. After the funeral, he was buried at the Mirpur Intellectual Cemetery around 11 pm.
The traditional former Guptaganj Bazar in Daulatkhan Upazila of Bhola district—a town that has now disappeared into the Meghna River—was a place deeply connected to his roots. The memories of his childhood, family, mother and soil are mixed there. He was like one of his own in the happiness and sorrow, joy and pain of the people of that area and various social crises.
To his relatives and close friends, he was not just a teacher, journalist or editor; he was an elder brother, guardian and compassionate person. He is associated with countless childhood memories, mutual love and stories of walking together to solve various problems of society.
His simple behavior, good-natured personality and sincerity towards people made him known to everyone. Just as his contribution to journalism and education in his professional life is memorable, his mentality of standing by people in his personal life also endeared him to many people.
Expressing grief over his death, relatives said, “Alo Bhai’s passing is an irreparable loss for them. The memories associated with him will remain indelible in their hearts until the last day of their lives. The void of losing a sincere, kind-hearted and compassionate person like him will never be filled.”
The death of the late Rafiqullah Sikder has created an atmosphere of mourning among the people of Bhola Daulat Khan, his own area, the journalist community, the academic community and well-wishers.
Expressing deep condolences to the bereaved family and relatives, everyone has prayed for the forgiveness of the deceased’s soul.
May Allah Almighty forgive the late Rafiqullah Sikder, fill his grave with light and grant him the highest position in Jannatul Firdous – Amen.