Leaving the dust of the field behind for eternity—Ranjit Das of the ‘Telegram Era’ in eternal rest

The dawn of yesterday broke with a somber hue. Barely had the nation begun to recover from the loss of Mustafa Kamal, whose exploits on football and volleyball fields had thrilled generations, when another grievous news arrived. On the quiet slopes of a remote hill road in Sylhet, 93-year-old legendary goalkeeper Ranjit Das closed his eyes forever, leaving behind a legacy that spanned decades. He breathed his last at 6:55 am in a Sylhet hospital, bringing to an end an era of Bangladeshi sport that few could match.

Ranjit Das was a towering figure in the 1950s, captivating Dhaka audiences with his dexterity on both football and hockey fields. Yet, in recent years, he had grown silent, his memory fading, words failing him. Once, his Sylhet residence in Korepara thrummed with visitors and admirers, but in later years, he remained quietly ensconced amidst the familiar bustle. On the pitch, however, he was a different persona altogether — commanding, fearless, and unforgettable.

He began his football journey in 1955 with Ispahani Club, soon moving to Azad Sporting, where he experienced his golden era. Under his captaincy, Azad Sporting clinched the league title in 1958, etching his name into the annals of national sport. Donning the iconic black-and-white jersey of Mohammedan SC, he further inspired awe, representing Kolkata Mohammedan in the All India Durand Cup in 1957. Beyond playing, he also shaped young talent as coach of Azad Sporting for several years.

Ranjit Das was more than a footballer; he was a multi-talented athlete. Born on 29 October 1932, he excelled in both football and hockey. He defended the goalposts of the East Pakistan football team with dedication and captained the East Pakistan hockey team, dominating the 1960s with his skill and leadership.

Yet, even heroes bear regrets. Ranjit Das once confided that he was denied a place in the Pakistan national football team due to his height — a lingering sorrow he carried quietly. Recognition eventually came late but fittingly: in 2006, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Prothom Alo, followed by the National Sports Award the subsequent year, honours he had long deserved.

In his final years, he found solace in the company of his wife, Rekha Das. Once a raconteur of countless tales of sporting exploits, he had come to a tranquil silence, referring to himself as “a man of the telegram era.” With the passing of legends like Zakaria Pintu in 2024 and Zahirul Haque before him, the Bangladeshi sports arena has quietly lost yet another colossus.

Sylhet’s hill roads will no longer echo with stories of football and hockey. Though Ranjit Das is gone, his valor and dedication are forever inscribed in the golden pages of Bangladesh’s sporting history.

Ranjit Das – Key Milestones