Professor Abul Kashem Fazlul Haq Passes Away

Renowned thinker, essayist, President of Bangla Academy, and former Chairman of the Department of Bengali at Dhaka University, Professor Abul Kashem Fazlul Haq, has passed away (Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un). He breathed his last on Sunday (July 5) afternoon in the capital's Mirpur area after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 85 years old.

The Director General of Bangla Academy, Professor Mohammad Azam, confirmed the news of his demise. He stated that the professor had gone to a restaurant in Mirpur-1 between 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM. Upon feeling suddenly unwell, he was rushed to the National Heart Foundation Hospital, where the attending physician declared him dead.

A Distinguished Career and Lifelong Contribution

Professor Abul Kashem Fazlul Haq was born on September 30, 1940, in Pakundia village under Pakundia Upazila of Kishoreganj district. Following his academic achievements, he joined the Department of Bengali at Dhaka University and retired after a distinguished teaching career spanning over four decades.

Alongside his academic profession, he played a pioneering role in the country’s intellectual and cultural movements. He was a leading figure in the movement to ensure the implementation of the Bengali language at all levels of state and public life. His deep, analytical perspectives on society, politics, literature, and culture were highly revered across the nation's intellectual community.

Publications and Recognition

Professor Abul Kashem Fazlul Haq edited two highly acclaimed quarterly periodicals, Sundaram and Lokayata, which significantly enriched progressive intellectual discourse in Bangladesh.

He authored and edited more than 20 critical volumes. Some of his most notable publications include:

• Ekushey February Andolan (The February 21 Movement)

• Rajniti Dorshon (Political Philosophy)

• Sahitya Chinta (Literary Thoughts)

• Sanskriter Shohoj Kotha (The Simple Dynamics of Culture)

Additionally, he edited seminal research volumes such as Itihasher Aloke Bangladesher Sanskriti (The Culture of Bangladesh in the Light of History) and Swadeshchinta (Thoughts on the Homeland). In recognition of his exceptional contributions to essay literature, he was awarded the prestigious Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1981.

His sudden demise has cast a deep shadow of grief across the country’s educational, literary, and cultural arenas. Various social, political, and cultural organizations have expressed profound condolences to his bereaved family members.