Language Movement veteran and journalist Yusuf Kalu passed away at a hospital in Barishal yesterday due to old age complications. He was 91.
Yusuf Kalu, also a freedom fighter, breathed his last at Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital around 5:45pm, said his son Md Shohagh.
Born on January 17, 1931 at Miabari in Razapur Kanudaskathi of Jhalakathi district, Yusuf was the youngest son of Obaidul Karim and Fatema Khatun.
He was a student of Barishal BM College. After passing Matriculation, he got admitted to Commerce Department of BM College and was involved in Chhatra Union.
He was also a member of the 25-member 'Language Movement Council'.
In 1952, Yusuf joined the Chhatra League and later got involved with Awami League politics.
He started journalism in 1962 and joined Daily Azad and Daily Paigam. Yusuf was also a general secretary of Barishal Press Club in 1962 to 1973.
Yusuf received training at Hasnabad, Hingalgarh, Taki Headquarters on May 14, 1971. After returning to the country, he fought against Pakistan army under Sector 9 in Kaliganj and Satkhira bordering area.
Senior Awami League leader Abul Hasanat Abdullah MP in Barishal and Barishal City Corporation (BCC) Mayor Serniabat Sadiq Abdullah expressed deep shock at the demise of the Language Movement hero.
mj/
