Muhammad Habibulla Pathan, a distinguished collector of archaeological artefacts and folk literature from Uari-Bateshwar, and a Bengali Academy award-winning author and researcher, has passed away. He died today, Saturday, at 11:30 am at his residence in Bateshwar village, Belab Upazila, Narsingdi. He was 87 years old.
Pathan is survived by his wife, three daughters, and five grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy cherished by scholars, students, and cultural enthusiasts alike. His family revealed that he had been suffering from advanced-stage lung cancer along with age-related health complications. He was admitted to a Dhaka hospital one and a half months ago, but due to his deteriorating condition and inability to ingest food or medicine orally, he was recently brought home under medical advice.
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Early Life and Career
Muhammad Habibulla Pathan was born on 7 February 1939 in Bateshwar, Belab Upazila, Narsingdi, to Hanif Pathan and Meherunnesa. His father, Hanif Pathan, was a prominent folk literature collector and researcher, credited with introducing the Uari-Bateshwar archaeological site to the public. Under his father’s guidance, Habibulla developed an early interest in archaeology and research. By 1955, while still in the eighth grade, he had begun assisting in the survey of Uari-Bateshwar. Their joint efforts led to systematic archaeological surveys of the region, culminating in formal excavations in 2000.
Together, father and son established the Bateshwar Archaeological Museum and Library, housing artefacts spanning over three millennia, rare books, historical journals, and commemorative items.
Awards and Recognition
| Year | Award / Honour | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Bengali Academy Fellow | Outstanding contribution to archaeology and folk literature |
| 2013 | Prothom Alo Best Book Award | Co-authored Uari-Bateshwar: In Search of Roots with Sufi Mostafizur Rahman |
| 2020 | Bengali Academy Award | Lifetime achievement in cultural and historical research |
Publications
Habibulla Pathan authored 16 books covering archaeology, folk tales, proverbs, poetry, and local history. Notable works include:
- Narsingdi Poet and Writer (1986)
- Folk Sports of Narsingdi (1988)
- Archaeological Artefacts: Uari-Bateshwar (1989)
- Bangladesh Folk Tales, Volumes 1–3 (1996–1998)
- Marriage and Folk Songs of Narsingdi & Gazipur (2000)
- Bangladesh’s Ancient Port City: Uari-Bateshwar (2005)
- Uari-Bateshwar: In Search of Roots (2012)
- Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Liberation War in Folk Literature (2020)
- Sekaler Masik Patrika Sabujpalli (2022)
His meticulous research has enriched both the academic community and the preservation of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage.
Final Rites
Habibulla Pathan’s funeral will take place today, Saturday, after Asr prayers at 5:30 pm at Bateshwar School Field, followed by interment at the family graveyard. His passing marks the loss of a pioneering scholar whose work will continue to inspire generations of researchers and cultural enthusiasts.
This revised version contains approximately 430 words, providing fuller context of his life, achievements, and legacy.