KOLKATA: Noted lyricist Gobinda Halder passed away at JN Roy Polyclinic on Raja Dinendra Street of Kolkata on Saturday morning.

He, who had been suffering from kidney deceases for long, breathed his last at 10:45am (local time). He was 85.

The eminent composer was also suffered from cerebral atrophy that affected his speech. He had been undergoing treatment at the hospital since November 13.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minster Sheikh Hasina in separate statements expressed their profound shock at the death of eminent lyricist and composer Gobinda Halder.

During his recent visit to India, the President went to visit the ailing composer at JN Roy Hospital and inquired about his treatment.

He told Gobinda Halder, “You are a true friend of Bangladesh. You wrote many songs, you love Bangladesh. You had played a great role in our Liberation War."

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken the responsibility for medical treatment of noted lyricist Gobinda Halder who wrote a number of songs during the War of Liberation to inspire the Freedom Fighters.

The PM also provided Tk 15 lakh for his treatment.

Gobinda Halder was not only the writer of 'Joy Banglar Gaan', but also of several patriotic songs that inspired the freedom fighters during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.

Some of his patriotic songs like 'Mora Ekti Phulke Bachabo Bole Juddho Kori', 'Ek Sagor Rokter Binimoye Banglar Swadhinata Anlo Jara', 'Purbo Digonte Surjo Uthechhe Rokto Lal' and 'Padma Meghna Jamuna Tomar Amar Thikana' are still popular in Bangladesh.

He had also penned nearly 3,500 semi-classical, folk, baul, kirtan, Shyamasangeet and modern Bengali songs before glaucoma claimed his sight and ended his writing spree.

BDST: 1240 HRS, JAN 17, 2015