Noted children’s writer, journalist and lyricist Akhtar Hossain died on September 24 at around 1pm while undergoing treatment at Bangladesh Medical University in Dhaka, aged 81.

Hossain had been battling cancer and several other health complications. For generations of Bangladeshi children, his rhymes and stories became a familiar part of growing up.

Born in Natore on November 1, 1945, Hossain began his career in journalism. He worked for Dainik Janakantha and Prothom Alo before joining Prothoma Prokashan as a manuscript editor. He was also a founding member of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi.

Hossain wrote for children for more than six decades, producing books including Shomudro Onek Boro, Ramdhonuker Shanko, Ultopalta, Halchal and Amar Duto Dana.

He also penned the song “Shadhin Shadhin Dike Dike Jagchhe Bangalira”, which was broadcast by Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra during the 1971 Liberation War.

Hossain received the Bangla Academy Award and several other literary honours during his long career.