Eminent Scholar Abul Kasem Fazlul Haque Dies

Professor Abul Kasem Fazlul Haque, President of Bangla Academy, distinguished academic, literary critic and former Chairman of the Department of Bangla at the University of Dhaka, has passed away at the age of 85, marking the end of a remarkable career dedicated to the advancement of Bengali language, literature and intellectual thought.

He breathed his last on Sunday afternoon in Mirpur, Dhaka. His death has been widely regarded as a significant loss for Bangladesh’s academic, literary and cultural communities, where he was respected for his scholarship, thoughtful writings and unwavering commitment to promoting the use of the Bengali language in all spheres of national life.

The news of his death was confirmed by Professor Mohammad Azam, Director General of Bangla Academy and a former student of Professor Haque. According to him, the veteran academic had gone to a restaurant in the Mirpur-1 area for lunch between 2:30 pm and 3:00 pm when he suddenly began feeling unwell. He was immediately taken to a hospital. Professor Azam said he had learned that Professor Haque was taken to the National Heart Foundation, where doctors later declared him dead.

Professor Abul Kasem Fazlul Haque was born on 30 September 1940 in Pakundia village under Pakundia Upazila of Kishoreganj District. Throughout his professional life, he served the Department of Bangla at the University of Dhaka, where he spent many years teaching generations of students before eventually becoming the department’s chairman. His lectures, research and critical analyses earned him a reputation as one of the country’s most respected scholars in Bengali language and literature.

Beyond the classroom, Professor Haque played an influential role in shaping discussions on language, culture, literature and national identity. He consistently advocated for the wider use of Bengali across education, administration and public life, believing that language was central to the country’s cultural and intellectual development.

His contribution to Bengali scholarship extended through both writing and editorial work. He edited the literary periodicals Sundaram and Lokayat, while also authoring more than twenty books on literature, politics, culture and philosophy. Among his notable works are Ekushey February Andolon (The Language Movement of 21 February), Rajniti Darshan (Political Philosophy), Sahitya Chinta (Thoughts on Literature) and Sanskritir Shohoj Kotha (Simple Discussions on Culture). He also edited several important volumes, including Bangladesh’s Culture in the Light of History and Swadesh Chinta, both of which remain valuable references for readers and researchers interested in Bangladesh’s cultural and intellectual heritage.

His lifelong dedication to literature and research was recognised with the prestigious Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1981. In later years, as President of Bangla Academy, he continued to contribute to the country’s literary and cultural institutions, supporting academic discourse and the promotion of Bengali language and literature.

Professor Abul Kasem Fazlul Haque leaves behind a lasting intellectual legacy built on decades of teaching, writing and public engagement. His works, ideas and commitment to the Bengali language will continue to inspire students, academics, writers and readers for years to come, ensuring that his influence endures well beyond his lifetime.