National Professor Rafiqul Islam, one of the most distinguished researchers on National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, passed away at 2:30pm today at the capital's Evercare Hospital. The 87-year-old was the recipient of both Swadhinata Padak and Ekushey Padak, the highest civilian honours in the country.

The news was confirmed by his son, Borshon Islam.

The national professor was on life support since Thursday.

On October 7, he was admitted to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) with abdominal pain. The doctors had confirmed that water had accumulated in his lungs, and it was extracted.

Born in Chadpur's Kolakanda village in 1934, Rafiqul islam studied in Dhaka University.

Rafiqul Islam's career in academia started in Dhaka University in 1957, as he taught Bengali and linguistics there till 1958 and then 1961-2004 as Senior Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Professor. He has also published research papers in the USA's Cornell University, Minessota University, Michigan Ann Arbor University and Hawaii University's East West Centre. 

He had written more than 30 books, including the first books on martyred intellectuals and the centenary history of Dhaka University.

He was inducted as a National Professor in 2018, and later became head of the Bangla department at Dhaka University. Later, he became the Vice Chancellor (2007-2011) of the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB).

The eminent personality's namaz-e-janaza will be held today at Uttara Sector 7 mosque after Isha prayers. Tomorrow, he will be taken to the Shaheed Minar for last respects, after which he will be laid to rest at Azimpur graveyard.