Eminent folklorist Professor Shamsuzzaman Khan, who has been suffering from Covid-19, has passed away at a hospital in Dhaka. He was 80.
The Bangla Academy president around 2pm on Wednesday, the academy’s Director General Kazi Habibullah Siraji told reporters.
Shamsuzzaman Khan was undergoing treatment at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital for Covid-19 and geriatric diseases.
He and his wife tested positive for Covid-19 on March 30. On last Sunday, he was put on life support after his condition had worsened.
In separate condolence messages, President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep shock and sorrow over Shamsuzzaman’s passing, reports UNB.
In his message, the president said the people of Bangladesh will remember the contributions of Shamsuzzaman Khan in the field of Bangla language and literature with respect.
Meanwhile, the prime minister said: “"Shamshuzzaman Khan will be remembered for the quality of his works."
State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid condoled the death of the folklorist, academician and writer as well.
Born in December 29, 1940 in Manikganj’s Charigram area, Shamsuzzaman Khan completed his masters from Dhaka University in 1963.
He started his career as a teacher and worked as a professor at Haraganga College in Munshiganj, Jagannath College in Dhaka, Mymensingh Agricultural University and National University.
Shamsuzzaman rose to fame for editing a series of books on folk culture in Bangladesh. He penned and edited more than 100 books.
His works include Folklore Charcha, Bangabandhur Rashtrachinta O Bartaman Bangladesh, Bangabandhur Sangey Alap O Anyanya Prasanga, Muktabuddhi, Dharmanirapekshata O Samakal, Bangarashtrer Galpasamagra, Kishore Rachanasamagra, Bangladesher Utsab and others.
Since June 2020, he served Bangla Academy as its president. He had previously served as director general of Bangla Academy, Bangladesh National Museum and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
Shamsuzzaman was awarded the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 2001, Ekushey Padak in 2009 and Independence Day Award in 2017.
