Ekushey Padak winner and one of the most prominent Nazrul exponents in the country, Khalid Hossain passed away at a hospital in Dhaka tonight. He was 78.

The singer breathed his last at National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) in Sher-E-Bangla Nagar at 10:15pm, Mahmud Hossain, younger brother of the deceased, told the Daily Star. 

His brother’s body will be taken to his residence in Babar Road of Mohammadpur tonight, Hossain said adding that a janaza will held at Minar Mosque in the area.

The body will be buried at the family’s ancestral home in Kushtia tomorrow, he said. 

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For many years now, he has been suffering from cardiac ailment, and recently fell victim to kidney and lung problems. All the combined medical issues along with his old age complications are making it difficult for the artiste to continue his wellbeing.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, along with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, granted monetary assistance to the singer for bearing his treatment expenses.

Khalid Hossain, president of Bangladesh Nazrul Sangeet Sangstha, has numerous students, fans and well-wishers both at home and abroad. Apart from receiving the Ekushey Padak in 2000, Khalid Hossain was honoured with multiple recognitions, including Nazrul Academy Award and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Award, among others.