Shib Narayan Das, a freedom fighter renowned for his contribution to crafting Bangladesh's inaugural national flag, breathed his last while receiving treatment in the ICU of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University on Friday morning at 9:30 am.

His demise was confirmed by his son, Arnab Aditya Das.

Survived by his wife, Gitashree Chowdhury, and their son Arnab Das, Shib Narayan hailed from Comilla. His father, Satish Chandra Das, fell victim to the atrocities of the Pakistani army during the Liberation War in 1971.

Inspired by the language movement luminary Dhirendranath Dutta, Shib Narayan actively engaged in politics. He was imprisoned for his involvement in the education movement of 1962 and served as an activist and leader in the Chhatra League.

In 1970, a student squad named the "February-15 Force" was formed to welcome Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at a student parade in Dhaka's Paltan Maidan. Shib Narayan, along with other student leaders, played a pivotal role in designing the flag for this force.

Following discussions among Chhatra League leaders, including Shib Narayan, the flag was envisioned with a yellow Bengal map at its center, adorned by a red sun against a green backdrop.

Under the guidance of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the national flag was later refined by Kamrul Hasan, ultimately becoming the current emblem of Bangladesh.

In a tribute, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-JaSoD President Hasanul Haque Inu and General Secretary Shirin Akhtar expressed profound sorrow at Shib Narayan's demise, extending condolences to his bereaved family.