Dhaka, Jan. 8 -- Rabeya Khatun, one of the legendary novelists and last remaining connoisseurs of Bengali literature, passed away on Sunday at the age of 85.

According to her family sources, the eminent novelist passed away at her Banani residence due to old-age complications.

Her body was taken at Bangla Academy from 12 pm on Monday, where people from all walks of life paid their last respects to the Independence Award and Ekushey Padak-winning novelist at a public mourning programme organised by the Academy. Her namaz-e-janaza took place at 3pm at the Channel i premise in the capital. She was then laid to rest at Banani Graveyard, after Asr prayers.

Rabeya Khatun was born on December 27, 1935 to Maulavi Mohammad Mulluk Chand and Hami...