The noted columnist, researcher, and writer breathed his last at Square Hospital in Dhaka.
His son Syed Nasif Maksud told The Daily Star that his father started to have breathing difficulties in the evening and they rushed him to the hospital where he was declared dead at 7:09pm.
Abul Maksud left behind his wife, son, daughter and a huge number of followers and well-wishers. He was a leading advocate for human rights, environment, and good governance.
As news of his death spread, many expressed their condolences in social media recalling his good deeds.
Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, executive director of a non-government organisation, wrote, We have lost our Gandhi.