Manzur-e-Mawla, poet and former director-general of Bangla Academy, has died after being infected with Covid-19 at a hospital in Dhaka. He was 80.

He breathed his last at the United Hospital around 11:00 am on Sunday. 

Jatiya Kobita Parishad General Secretary Tarique Sujat confirmed the matter to Banglanews. 

Tarique said Mawla was admitted to the hospital on December 5 after being diagnosed with the coronavirus infection.

His family members will handle his namaz-e-janaza and burial, Tarique said.

Mawla had served as secretary in various government ministries. He became the director general of Bangla Academy in the early 1980s.

Amar Ekushey Boi Mela, the longest running book festival in the world, was launched during his three-year tenure at the academy.

BDST: 1535 HRS, DEC 20, 2020
AP/SMS