Dhaka: The body of Ekushey Padak-winning Bengali poet Shahid Qadri will arrive in Bangladesh from the USA on Wednesday.

The human remains of the renowned poet will reach Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the morning, Director General of Bangla Academy Shamsuzzaman Khan said on Monday.

While addressing a solo lecture programme by Jeremie Cordon held at the Bangla Academy, he also said the body will be kept at the Central Shaheed Minar on the day so that people from all walks to life can pay their last tributes to Shahid Qadri, reports UNB.

Meanwhile, Consul General of Bangladesh in New York Shameem Ahsan said the Bangladesh government will bear all expenses for sending Qadri’s body to the country following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s approval.

On the other hand, Bangladeshi expatriates paid their last respects to the poet on Sunday afternoon (local time) placing wreaths at his coffin during his Namaz-e-Janaza held at the Jamaica Muslim Centre in Queens, New York.

Shahid Qadri died at a New York hospital on Sunday morning at the age of 74.

Shahid Qadri received prestigious Ekushey Padak in 2011 for his contribution to the Bengali language and literature and he was awarded Bangla Academy Award in 1973 for his poetry.

He had published four books of poetry which are Uttaradhikar (Inheritance, 1967), Tumake Abhibadan Priyatama (Salute to You, Dearest; 1974), Prem Biraha Bhalobasar Kabita (Poems of Love and Separation), Kothayo Kono Krondon Nai (Weeping Nowhere) and Amar Chombongullo Pouchhaya Deo (Please, Convey my kisses).