Rhymester Sukumar Barua passes away

Renowned Bangladeshi rhymester and Ekushey Padak recipient Sukumar Barua has passed away. He was 88.

He breathed his last at 6:55am on Friday at JK Memorial Hospital in Gahira of Raozan upazila in Chattogram. He had been suffering from various complications for a long time.

Sukumar Barua was born on 5 January 1938 in Madhyam Binajuri village under Raozan upazila of Chattogram. His father was Sarbananda Barua and his mother Kiran Bala Barua.

He began his professional career in 1962 as a fourth-grade employee at the University of Dhaka and retired in 1999 as a storekeeper.

His writings were regularly published in children’s and juvenile magazines such as Kochi-Kachar Asar, Khelaghar and Mukuler Mahfil.

Through nearly six decades of rhyming verse, Sukumar Barua carved out a unique place in Bengali children’s literature.

His notable works include Lej Abishkar, Chotoder Hat, Koyal Khaiye, Thik Achhe Thik Achhe, Pagla Ghora, Bhije Beral, Chandana Ranjanar Chhora, Elopatari, Nana Ronger Din, Chiching Phank, Kichu Na Kichu, Priyo Chhora Shatok, Nadir Khela, Mojar Pora 100 Chhora, Sukumar Baruar Chhora Sambhar (two volumes), Juktoborno, Chandanar Pathshala and Jiboner Bhitore Baire.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to language and literature, the government honoured him with the Ekushey Padak in 2017.

He also received numerous other accolades, including the Bangla Academy Literary Award, Bangladesh Shishu Academy Literary Award, Alaol Literary Award, Chattogram Press Club Honour, Obosor Literary Award, Anon Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award and Chandrabati Children’s Literature Award.