Dr Md Abul Kalam Sarkar, a distinguished professor at the Department of Persian Language and Literature at the University of Dhaka, has been honoured with the Dean’s Award 2025 in the international research book category. Known for his pioneering work in bridging the literary traditions of Persian and Bangla, Sarkar was recognised for his exceptional contributions to academia.
The award ceremony took place on Tuesday at Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban, where the Dean’s Awards for the Faculty of Arts were presented to both faculty members and students who have excelled in academic and research fields from 2021 to 2023.
A devoted scholar of classical Persian prose, literature, and translation studies, Sarkar has made substantial contributions to his field. He has authored 12 books and published over 50 research articles in prestigious national and international journals. In addition, he has presented more than 48 research papers at international conferences, underscoring his active and sustained role in the global academic community.
Sarkar’s scholarly work extends beyond literature, touching on culture, history, and philosophy. His interdisciplinary approach connects linguistic heritage with humanistic inquiry, enriching both the academic and cultural landscape of South Asia.
He received the Dean’s Award for his recent book, A Mouthful of Sugar in Bangladesh: The Standing of the Iconic Figures of Persian Literature in Bangladesh. Published by Allameh Tabataba’i University Press in Iran, the book explores the profound influence of Persian literary heritage on Bengali culture and poetry. It highlights how centuries of cultural exchange between the two traditions have contributed to the growth of South Asian humanistic traditions.
As Sarkar himself eloquently states, “The soil of Bengal carries the fragrance of Persian — as it does of love, compassion, and wisdom.”
This is not the first time Sarkar has received such recognition. He had previously been awarded the Dean’s Award in 2018 for his remarkable contributions in the same category. His continued academic and cultural achievements are an inspiring example of scholarly excellence and cultural synthesis in Bangladesh’s higher education landscape.
Outside of academia, Sarkar has been an active and conscientious citizen for over 25 years, advocating for fairness, academic integrity, and the welfare of the teaching community. His dedication to both scholarly pursuits and societal well-being continues to make him a significant figure in Bangladesh’s academic and social spheres.
