Bangla Academy Award and Ekushey Padak-winning renowned rhymester Sukumar Barua-File Photo

CHATTOGRAM, Jan 02, 2026 (BSS) - Bangla Academy Award and Ekushey Padak-winning renowned rhymester Sukumar Barua passed away today at the age of 88.

Sukumar Barua breathed his last at a private hospital in Raozan upazila of Chattogram this morning. 

His daughter Anjana Barua confirmed the death, saying he had been undergoing treatment for a week after fluid accumulated in his lungs. Despite medical efforts, he could not be saved.

He had been suffering from various age-related ailments for years. His right leg was paralyzed following a brain stroke in 2006, and he later developed complications including heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Born on January 5, 1938, in Madhyam Binajuri village of Raozan upazila, Sukumar Barua began his literary career in 1963.

During the 1960s, he worked as a fourth-class employee at Dhaka University, continuing his literary pursuits alongside his professional responsibilities. He retired from the university in 1999 as a storekeeper.

With nearly six decades of literary contributions, Sukumar Barua earned wide acclaim for his rhymes, especially those written for children. He was affectionately known as 'Chhararaj', 'Chharashilpi' and 'Chharasamrat'.

His works span satire, humour, moral instruction and education, while also reflecting the spirit of the Liberation War and conveying strong social and political messages. 

Among his notable books are 'Pagla Ghora', 'Bhije Beral', 'Chandana Ranjanar Chhara', 'Elopathari', 'Nana Ronger Din', 'Chiching Fak', 'Kichu Na Kichu', 'Priyo Chhara Shatak', 'Nodir Khela', 'Chhotoder Haat', 'Juktoborno', 'Chandanar Pathshala' and 'Jiboner Bhetore Baire'.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to Bangla language and literature, the government awarded him the Ekushey Padak in 2017. 

He also received numerous other honours, including the Bangla Academy Literary Award, Bangladesh Shishu Academy Literary Award, Alaol Literary Award, Chattogram Press Club Honor, Ausr Literary Award, Anon Foundation Lifetime Honor and Chandrabati Children's Literature Award.