Dhaka: Prominent Bengali poet Shahid Qadri, who passed away at a US hospital on Sunday, was laid to eternal rest in Dhaka on Wednesday.

He was buried at Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard in Mirpur at about 3:00pm following a namaz-e-janazat at Dhaka University Central Mosque after Zohr prayers, reports UNB.

Earlier in the morning, the nation paid its last respects to the poet at the Central Shaheed Minar after the body arrived in the country from the US.

The body was taken to the Central Shaheed Minar at about 11:15am where people from all walks of life, including writers, intellectuals, artistes and politicians, placed wreaths at the coffin of the poet as a mark of respect to him.

Awami League Joint General Secretary Dipu Moni placed a wreath on behalf of Awami League while PM’s Special Assistant Mahbubul Hoque Shakil placed another wreath on behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Dhaka University Vice-chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique also paid his respects to Shahid Qadri by placing another wreath at the coffin.

Ekushey Padak-winning Bengali poet Shahid Qadri breathed his last at North Shore University Hospital in New York on August on Sunday morning at the age of 74.

His body arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the capital from New York on Wednesday morning.

Shahid Qadri received prestigious Ekushey Padak in 2011 for his contribution to the Bengali language and literature and he was awarded Bangla Academy Award in 1973 for his poetry.

He had published four books of poetry which are Uttaradhikar (Inheritance, 1967), Tumake Abhibadan Priyatama (Salute to You, Dearest; 1974), Prem Biraha Bhalobasar Kabita (Poems of Love and Separation), Kothayo Kono Krondon Nai (Weeping Nowhere) and Amar Chombongullo Pouchhaya Deo (Please, Convey my kisses).