Today is the 85th anniversary of the birth of poet and freedom fighter Rafiq Azad.

Born in Tangail on February 14, 1941, Rafiq Azad enriched Bangla literature penning diverse works.

The poet’s first collection of poems titled Asambhaber Paye was published in 1973. After his poem ‘Bhat De Haramjada’ was published in 1974, the poem earned him wide acclaim.

He also worked as a teacher, civil servant and journalist.

Rafiq Azad depicted love, romance, poverty, sufferings, injustice, urban and rural life in his literary works.

Rafiq Azad’s literary works include ‘Simabaddha Jale Simita Sabuje’, ‘Chunia Amar Arkedia’, ‘Haturir Niche Jiban’, ‘Parikirna Panshalay Amar Swadesh’, ‘Sashastra Sundar’, ‘Kshama Karo Bahaman Hey Udar Amiya Batas’, ‘Pagla Garad Theke Premikar Chithi’, ‘Apar Aranya’ and ‘Moulabir Man Bhalo Nai’.

For his contribution to Bangla literature, Rafiq Azad received several awards, including the Bangla Academy Literary Award and Ekushey Padak.

The poet passed away on March 12, 2016.