Renowned Writer and Educator Professor Jatin Sarker Passes Away at 90
Professor Jatin Sarker, a celebrated writer, educator, and Swadhinata Puraskar recipient, passed away at the age of 90 on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at approximately 2:45 PM in the ICU of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. Sarker had been suffering from multiple age-related health complications for an extended period. In June 2025, he sustained a femur neck fracture after falling at his home in Netrokona while reaching for a newspaper. He received initial treatment in Dhaka and was later transferred to Mymensingh, where he remained under medical care until his death.
Born on August 18, 1936, in Chandpara village, Kendua, Netrokona, Sarker was a former faculty member of the Bangla Department at Nasirabad College, Mymensingh. He dedicated over 42 years to teaching, retiring in 2002. Afterward, drawn by his roots, he relocated to Netrokona with his wife, Kanon Sarker. A prominent figure in progressive literature, left-wing politics, and cultural activism, Sarker served two terms as president of the central committee of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi, a leading cultural organization.
His mortal remains were taken to Udichi’s Mymensingh office for public homage, as confirmed by Emdadul Haque Millat, president of the Mymensingh district committee of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB). Decisions regarding his final rites were pending at the time of reporting.
Sarker’s literary career was illustrious, marked by numerous accolades. He received the Swadhinata Puraskar in 2010, the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 2007, and the Prothom Alo Book of the Year Award in 2005 for his book Pakistaner Jonmo-Mrityu Darshan. Other honors include the Dr. Enamul Haque Gold Medal, Khalekdada Chowdhury Literary Award, Moniruddin Yusuf Literary Award, and several others. His first book, Sahityer Kache Pratyasha, was published in 1985, followed by significant works such as Bangladesher Kobigan, Bangalir Samajtantrik Oitihya, Sanskritir Sangram, and Manobmon, Manobdharma O Samajbiplob. His 1994 publication, Galpe Galpe Byakaran, released by Bangla Academy, remains a notable contribution to children’s literature and grammar studies in Bangladesh. Sarker also wrote four biographical works for Bangla Academy’s biography series: Kedarnath Majumdar, Chandrakumar De, Haricharan Acharya, and Sirajuddin Kasimpuri. His edited works include Rabindranather Sonar Tori, Prasanga Moulabad, and Jalal Gitika Samagra. Other noteworthy books include Pakistaner Jonmo-Mrityu Darshan, Dwijatitattwa, Niyatibad O Bigyan-Chetona, Sanskriti O Buddhijibi Samachar, and Sahitya Niye Nanakatha.
Sarker is survived by his wife, Kanon Sarker, one son, one daughter, grandchildren, and a wide community of students, readers, and admirers. His passing has left a profound void in Bangladesh’s literary, cultural, educational, and political landscapes.
