Staff Reporter :
People from all walks of life gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar today to pay their final respects to Professor Emeritus Syed Manzoorul Islam, who passed away yesterday evening while receiving treatment at a private hospital.
Despite heavy rain, government officials, cultural figures, teachers, students, and admirers from across the country came together, placing floral wreaths in honor of the esteemed professor.
Tributes were offered by representatives from numerous institutions, including the Department of Archaeology, Bangladesh Copyright Office, Directorate of Archives and Libraries, Department of Dance (University of Dhaka), Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Kali O Kalam, Department of English (University of Dhaka), Folk and Crafts Foundation, BRAC, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, Bangladesh National Museum, Bangladesh JASAD, BASAD, Chhayanaut, the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam Institute, and Bangla Academy.
Renowned scholar Professor Serajul Islam Choudhury, reflecting on his former student and later colleague, said, “Manzoor was not only a gifted student but also an exceptional teacher. Following his father’s legacy, he earned the love and respect of all his students.”
Professor Choudhury highlighted that Syed Manzoorul Islam excelled in fiction, earning the Bangla Academy Literary Award and the Ekushey Padak. He also made notable contributions as an art critic, translated Shakespeare, and published original literature in English.
Calling him humble and spirited, Prof. Choudhury added, “I never saw him sad, disappointed, or unwell. His passing is an irreparable loss, but his legacy as a teacher, writer, critic, and extraordinary human being will continue to inspire.”
“Few teachers at Dhaka University are recognized nationwide as intellectuals, but Professor Manzoorul Islam was one of them. He nurtured generations of students and inspired countless young minds through his fiction, which uniquely captured civic life crises. He will remain immortal among us said Managing Director and Chief Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha Mahbub Morshed, after paying his respects at the Shaheed Minar
Earlier in the day, tributes were also offered at the Aparajeyo Bangla sculpture on the Dhaka University campus at 10:30 am.
