A chapter closes: Basheer Ahamed of Basheer Books has passed away at the age of 83

A chapter closes: Basheer Ahamed of Basheer Books has passed away at the age of 83

Basheer Ahamed, founder of Basheer Graphic Books in Bras Basah Complex, Singapore, passed away last year.

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The late Basheer Ahamed has left his iconic bookstore in the hands of his son, Abdul Nasser.

According to The Straits Times, the late Basheer Ahamed retired to his hometown in India right up till his death in December 2018. The news of Basheer’s passing was reported only on February 25, 2019, as the family had kept the news private. It was only when regular customers to the bookstore started asking Nasser about his father that the news of Basheer’s death spread.

Singapore’s creative community, in particular, holds a soft spot for Basheer Graphic Books. Many would recall it was one of the only bookstores in Singapore in the early ’90s that sold books on art, design, architecture and photography.

Many have fond memories of the late Basheer. Since the news broke, customers have taken to social media to pay tribute to the man. One Facebook user, James Leong, whom The Straits Times interviewed for their report, posted: “Today, I came to know that this great man has passed. I always remember him as the muscular man who brought suitcases of graphic books to agencies. He patiently introduced us books which were either hard to find or highly sought after. Of coz, I bought countless of books from him and continue to buy from his son. You will be remembered, sir. RIP”.

While all that’s left are memories of the late Basheer Ahamed, thankfully his bookstore lives on. Check out the iconic Basheer Graphic Books store at Bras Basah Complex (231 Bain St, #04-19, Singapore 180231) this weekend – or tomorrow.

Follow @basheergraphic on Instagram for updates. 

Featured image: The Straits Times

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