Dhaka: President Abdul Hamid on Wednesday paid his last respect to versatile writer Syed Shamsul Haque, who died at a hospital in Dhaka on Tuesday evening, at Central Shaheed Minar.

The president paid his tribute by placing wreath at the body of the legendary writer at about 11:25am.

Later, he talked to Shamsul’s wife Anwara Syed Haq, son Ditio Syed-Haq and daughter Bidita Sadi and conveyed his deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.

Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor also paid tribute to Shamsul Haq along with the president.

Shamsul Haq, who had long been fighting against deadly lung cancer, died at United Hospital in Dhaka on Tuesday evening at the age of 81.

He left behind his wife Anwara Syed Haque, son Ditio Syed-Haque, daughter Bidita Sadi and a host of relatives and well-wishers to mourn his death.

On 15 April, the writer went to London for treatment at Royal Marsden Hospital, and returned home on 2 September as doctors there found no hope for his cure of cancer.

On return home, he had been undergoing treatment at United Hospital.

The first namaz-e-janaza of the prolific writer held at a private television channel, Channel-i, premises in Dhaka at 10:05am.

Later, the poet’s body was taken to Bangla Academy premises. After that, Shamsul Haque’s body was kept at Central Shaheed Minar for people to pay their last tributes.

The second namaz-e-janaza of the Bangla Academy award winner poet will be held at Dhaka University central mosque after the Zuhr prayer.

Syed Shamsul Haque’s body will be airlifted to his own village in Kurigram, where he will be buried.

Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed profound shock at his demise.