People from all walks of life paid their tributes to eminent poet Helal Hafiz on Bangla Academy premises on Saturday morning.

His body was taken to Bangla Academy around 11 am so that people can pay their tributes to the poet of rebellion and love who died on Friday.

His first namaz-e-janaza was held in front of the Nazrul Mancha there.

Admirers of the poet, people from cultural arena, writers, poets his elder brother Dulal Hafiz, younger brother Nehal Hafiz, and other family members were present.

Family sources said he will be buried at Intellectual Graveyard after his 2nd namaz-e-Janaza at the National Press Club after Johr prayers today.

Culture Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Director of the Bangla Academy were, among others, present

Nehal Hafiz said, "We have lost him as a family member, but Bangladesh's literary arena has lost a great personality."

Recitation artist Rashid Kamal said, "As long as Bangladesh’s history exists, Helal Hafiz will remain relevant. Even in the 24' uprising, he was significant."

He added, "Helal Hafiz used to tell me, 'If you want to write something, you must read a lot. Then, write very little. Publish even less.'"

Family members of Helal Hafiz shared that they tried several times to take him to a hospital, but he insisted, "I have no time left, I quit."

Farooki said when you talk about the songs of youth, Helal Hafiz’s name always comes to mind.

He said, "I don’t know if any other poet has influenced the history of a nation’s art and culture as much with just one poetry book. He didn’t write many books, but whenever we talk about songs and youth, Helal Hafiz’s name comes up. That is his achievement."