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Dhaka (dpa) - Tens of thousands of people swarmed a university campus in Dhaka Friday to pay tribute to Bangladesh's undeclared poet laureate Shamsur Rahman who died in a local hospital aged 77.
Rahman was a symbol of anti-religious militancy who had angered fundamentalist Islamic groups by his strong opposition to Sharia rule in Muslim-majority Bangladesh.
He was also opposed to autocratic regimes and highly critical of military dictators seizing power. His literary works reflected his commitments to democracy and human freedom.
Rahman had suffered cardiac problems and liver failure when he was admitted to hospital on August 6. His mortal remains were taken to the Dhaka University campus after he passed away late Thursday.
Copyright 2006 dpa Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH
