Dhaka: Prominent writer, researcher, and leftist intellectual Badruddin Umar passed away today due to complications related to old age at a city hospital. He was 94 years old.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Badruddin Umar died at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital at 10:05 am after a prolonged struggle with age-related health issues. Jatiya Mukti Council Secretary Foyzul Hakim confirmed in a statement that Umar was admitted to the hospital on July 22 with symptoms of shortness of breath and low blood pressure. He received treatment for ten days before being discharged last week.
Badruddin Umar was born on December 20, 1931, in Bardhaman, India. His father, Abul Hashim, was a Muslim nationalist politician in the subcontinent. Umar’s writings significantly influenced the nationalist movement, religion, and politics in Bangladesh, contributing to the country’s liberation. Some of his well-known works include “Samprodayikota” (1966), “Sangskritir Sangkat” (1967), and “Sangskritik Samprodayikota” (1969).
A Marxist thinker throughout his life, Umar began his career as a part-time lecturer at Dhaka University before founding the Department of Sociology at Rajshahi University. He was the president of the Bangladesh Krishok Federation and served as the central coordinator of the Gonotantrik Biplobi Jote. Additionally, he was once a member of the central committee of the Purba Banglar Communist Party.
In 2003, Badruddin Umar established the Jatiya Mukti Council, where he served as president until his passing.