Veteran footballer and sports organiser Ranjit Das has passed away. He died at 6:55am on Monday while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Sylhet city. His daughter, noted playwright Reema Das, confirmed the news.
Ranjit Das was 93. He is survived by his wife, four daughters and a son.
He had been suffering from various age-related health complications for a long time. After developing cold and respiratory issues, he was admitted to hospital on Saturday. He breathed his last early Monday morning.
His body will be taken to his residence in the city’s Korerpara area. Before the final rites, his mortal remains will be placed at the Sylhet Central Shaheed Minar in Chowhatta for people to pay their last respects. His cremation will take place later at the crematorium in Chali Bandar area.
A resident of Sylhet, Ranjit Das earned widespread respect and recognition in the subcontinent’s sporting arena in the post-independence era. He was best known as a footballer, but also made his mark in hockey and cricket. Born on October 29, 1932, in the Kuritula area of Zindabazar in Sylhet city, he was professionally a bank officer.
Between 1955 and 1964, Ranjit Das represented the East Pakistan football team as a goalkeeper in the Pakistan National Football Championship. During this period, he captained the East Pakistan team twice. He also played in several major tournaments, including the Dhaka First Division Football League, and represented Kolkata Mohammedan Sporting Club in 1957.
Alongside football, he enjoyed considerable fame as a hockey player. From 1965 to 1969, he played for the East Pakistan national hockey team in national championships. He also represented the National Bank of Pakistan hockey team and took part in the First Division Hockey League.
Beyond his playing career, Ranjit Das played a vital role as a sports organiser. He served as a founding joint vice-president of the Bangladesh Football Federation in Dhaka, a member of the executive committee of the East Pakistan Sports Federation, football secretary and coach of Azad Sporting Club, and coach of the East Pakistan youth football team.
In recognition of his lifelong contribution to sports, Ranjit Das was awarded the National Sports Award by the Government of Bangladesh in 2007.