Legendary footballer Ranjit Das passed away early on Monday morning at a hospital in Sylhet. He died after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 94.
Ranjit Das was one of the finest goalkeepers Bangladesh has ever seen. He was a leading figure in football before independence and earned respect across the region for his skill and discipline.
He represented the East Pakistan football team from 1955 to 1961. During that time, he was the team’s main goalkeeper and a dependable presence on the field. He was also called to the Pakistan national team camp, but he did not play an international match.
At club level, Das played for Ispahani Club, Azad Sporting Club, and Mohammedan SC before liberation. He built a strong reputation through consistent performances.
After retiring from playing, he stayed close to the game. He worked as a coach for the East Pakistan youth team and Azad SC. Many young footballers learned the basics under his guidance.
In discussions about great goalkeepers after independence, names like Shantoo, Mohsin, and Aminul are often mentioned. But before independence, Ranjit Das remained the most respected name in the position.
His long service to football earned him the National Sports Award. The honour confirmed his place in the history of Bangladeshi football.
Das was admitted to the hospital on January 31 after falling ill and was later moved to the ICU. His condition seemed stable on Saturday, but he suffered a severe heart attack late at night and passed away early this morning.
He is survived by his wife, four daughters, and one son. His funeral will be held this evening at Sylhet’s Talibandar Crematorium.
