Sukumar Barua, whose rhymes shaped the childhoods of generations, dies at 87

Celebrated rhymester Sukumar Barua has died under hospital care at the age of 87.

He passed away at 6:55am on Friday at a private hospital in Gahira of Chattogram’s Raozan Upazila.

His son, Arup Ratan Barua, said Sukumar had been suffering from age-related illnesses for some time.

“Two days ago, his condition improved and he returned home. But he fell ill again on Thursday night and was admitted to a local hospital. He died on Friday morning.”

Sukumar is survived by his wife, one son, and three daughters.

His funeral rites will be held at his ancestral home in Raozan’s Binajuri village, his family said.

Born on Jan 5, 1938, in Binajuri, Sukumar Barua began writing for children’s magazines and pages, including Kachikachar Asar and Khelaghar.

Over a literary career spanning nearly six decades, he made a significant contribution to Bengali rhyming literature. In recognition of his work, he was awarded the Ekushey Padak, Bangladesh’s second highest civilian award, in 2017.

He also received several other honours, including the Bangla Academy Literary Award, the Shishu Academy Award and the Agrani Literary Award.

Among his notable works are “Pagla Ghora”, “Bhije Beral”, “Chandana Ranjanar Chhara”, “Elopatari”, “Nana Ronger Din”, “Sukumar Baruaar 101ti Chhora”, “Chiching Phak”, “Kichu Na Kichu”, “Priyo Chhara Shatak”, “Buddha Chorcha Bishoyok Chhara”, “Thush-Thash”, “Nodir Khela”, “Aro Achhe”, “Chhora Shomogro”, “Thik Achhe Thik Achhe”, “Koyal Khaiye”, “Chhotoder Hat” and “Lej Abishkar”.