Pabna Jan 21, (V7N) - Pabna’s prominent literary personality and former secretary, Faizul Islam Sumon, passed away at 4:20 PM on Tuesday (January 21) while receiving treatment at Lab Aid Hospital in Dhaka. (Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un).

Sumon is survived by his mother, wife, two sons, two sisters, and a brother, alongside numerous relatives and admirers.

He was the eldest son of the late Principal Fakhrul Islam, a noted educationist and language movement veteran from Pabna, and the elder brother of Fahimul Islam Shobhan, Secretary of the Ministry of Railways.

His sister, Professor Dr. Farhana Nila, confirmed his passing. She stated that Sumon was in critical condition in the ICU following cancer surgery. His funeral prayers will be held at the Mirpur DOHS Central Mosque in Dhaka on Thursday (January 23) after Zohr, and he will be laid to rest beside his father in Azimpur Cemetery.

Born on November 24, 1963, in Siddheshwari, Dhaka, Faizul Islam Sumon had a storied career that spanned various sectors. He completed his education at Pabna Zilla School, Pabna Government Edward College, and Rajshahi University, where he earned both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in economics. He also pursued studies at Williams College and Siena University and was a visiting research fellow at the University of Sussex’s Department of Economics.

Sumon recently went on pre-retirement leave after serving as the Chairman of the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission. Throughout his career, he worked in private, government, and international organizations, leaving a legacy of dedication and excellence.

Sumon was an esteemed writer known for his poignant storytelling. His first storybook, Nakshatra's Horse, was published in 1998. His 2016 book, Khwaj Khizir's Ark, gained widespread acclaim and was nominated as Prothom Alo’s Book of the Year (1422).

His other notable works include:

Ghumtrincha

Nilkhet Ken Jai

Zamin O Ayna

Boys School Band (his only novel)

Additionally, his short story collections Chhoto Golpo Shomogro 1 and 2 were published by Chaitanya Publishers.

His siblings, Fahimul Islam Shobhan and Professor Dr. Farhana Nila, are also accomplished poets, underscoring the family’s deep literary legacy.

Sumon’s passing has cast a shadow of grief over Pabna and beyond. Local leaders and organizations have expressed their condolences.

Professor Shivjit Nag, former president of Pabna Press Club, described Sumon as a “bright light of Pabna’s literary scene.”

Akhtaruzzaman Akhtar, current president of Pabna Press Club, and Zahurul Islam, its general secretary, expressed their profound sadness at his death.

Former general secretary Akhinur Islam Remon also offered his heartfelt condolences.

Sumon’s life and work will remain an inspiration, and his loss is deeply felt by the literary community and all who knew him.

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