Eminent academic Syed Manzoorul Islam dies
Staff Reporter :
Syed Manzoorul Islam, emeritus professor of English at the University of Dhaka and a distinguished writer, passed away on Friday at the age of 74.
He breathed his last at 5pm on 10 October while receiving treatment at LabAid Hospital in Dhaka, hospital Public Relations Officer Chowdhury Meher-e-Khoda confirmed.
“Syed Manzoorul Islam was admitted to the hospital on 3 October following a heart attack.
Doctors promptly treated him and placed a stent. He had long battled hypertension and kidney complications, and a medical board was overseeing his care,” Meher-e-Khoda said.
“His condition worsened on 5 October, leading to life support, which was briefly withdrawn on 7 October after some improvement.
Unfortunately, his health declined again this morning, and despite intensive efforts, he succumbed to heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, and respiratory complications,” he added.
His body will be kept at BIRDEM mortuary, and tomorrow at 11am it will be taken to the Central Shaheed Minar for public condolences.
After Zuhr prayers, his namaz-e-janaza will be held at Dhaka University Central Mosque, followed by burial at the Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard.
A Life Dedicated to Learning
Born on 18 January 1951 in Sylhet to Syed Amirul Islam and Rabeya Khatun, Syed Manzoorul Islam received his early education at Sylhet Government Pilot High School and MC College.
He completed his BA and MA in English at Dhaka University and earned a PhD from Queen’s University, Canada, in 1981.
He joined the Department of English at Dhaka University and became one of Bangladesh’s most respected scholars, eventually being named Emeritus Professor in recognition of his lifelong dedication to education and research.
Literary Contributions
In addition to his academic work, Manzoorul was a prolific writer, essayist, and critic.
His literary analysis spanned figures such as Michael Madhusudan Dutt, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Sudhindranath Dutta, Samar Sen, and Shamsur Rahman.
His notable works include Thaka Na Thakar Golpo, Kaanch Vanga Rater Golpo, Andhakar o Alo Dekhar Golpo, Adhkhana Manushyo, Dinratriguli, Ajgubi Rat, Tin Porber Jibon, and Nandantattwa.
His fiction often examined the intersections of history, politics, and human experience, earning him a wide readership.
He was awarded the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1996 and the Ekushey Padak in 2018 for his exceptional contributions to Bangla literature.
Champion of Culture and Expression
Beyond academics and writing, Manzoorul played a key role in Bangladesh’s cultural sphere. In 2018, he was elected president of PEN Bangladesh, an organization advocating freedom of expression.
He was also actively involved in publishing and translation efforts, helping introduce Bangladeshi literature to international audiences.
Syed Manzoorul Islam’s passing marks the loss of a towering figure in education, literature, and cultural leadership in Bangladesh.