Noted novelist Rizia Rahman has died at a hospital in Dhaka on Friday (Aug 16). She was 79.
Rizia breathed her last around 11am while undergoing treatment at the Intensive Care Unit of Apollo Hospital, senior information officer of Cultural Affair Ministry Faisal Hasan told Bangla Tribune.
She had been suffering from cancer and kidney related ailments, he said.
State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid expressed deep shock at the demise of the novelist.
In a message, the minister said, “The death of the renowned novelist is an irreparable loss in the cultural arena of the country and people will remember her for her great contributions in Bangla language and literature.”
Born in Kolkata's Bhabanipur on Dec 28, 1939, Rizia migrated to then East Bengal after the Partition with her family in 1947.
Some of Rizia's acclaimed works include Agnishakkhora, Rokter Akkhar, Ghor Bhanga Ghor, Bong theke Bangla, Shurjo Shobuj Rokto, Olikhito Upakhyan, Aronyer Kachhe, Uttar Purush, Shilay Shilay Agun, Hey Manab Manabi, Nodi Norobodhi, Pobitra Narira, Sita Pahare Agun and Projapoti Nibondhon.
She received the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1978 and was awarded the government Ekushey Padak this year.