Speakers at a citizens' condolence meeting on Prof Mohammad Moniruzzaman said his poems and writings will be an inspiration for the young generation to boost up their patriotism.

The meeting was organised by Citizens' Committee on the Central Shaheed Minar premises yesterday to recall the contribution of the noted lyricist.

Prof Moniruzzaman of Bangla department at Dhaka University passed away at Bangladesh Medical College Hospital in the city on September 3 at the age of 72.

"His writings were an inspiration for the countrymen as well as will be an inspiration for the coming generations in boosting their love for the country," said writer Syed Shamsul Haque.

The country's literature arena has lost a jewel at the death of Prof Maniruzzaman, he said, adding that the country has been losing its great academicians in the past few months and another star was fallen with the death of the noted lyricist. “He was a poet of high standard and an superb lyricist."

Mahmud Shah Quareshi, one of the friends of Prof Moniruzzaman, said he was a very enthusiastic person in every work. His works always reflected utmost love for the country.

“Though he had contributed a lot to the country's literature, but we did not take care of him when he fell sick for almost six years.

Chairman of Bangla department Prof Abul Kashem Fazlul Haque, Bangla Academy Director General Syed Muhammad Shahed. DU Prof AAMS Arefin Siddque, Bangla department Profs Rafikul Islam and Rafikullah Khan also spoke.

Prof Moniruzzaman was honoured with a number of awards, including Ekushey Padak, Bangla Academy Padak and Alaol Padak, for his contribution to Bangla. language and fiteratirre. - t •'