People from all walks of life have paid their last respects to Professor Abul Kashem Fazlul Haq, eminent political thinker, writer, researcher, educationist, and president of Bangla Academy.
His body was brought to the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital for the public to pay tribute around 11am on Monday. Citizens from different professions and backgrounds, along with political and social organisations, offered their respects.
After the tribute at Shaheed Minar, the body was taken around 12pm to Dhaka University’s Arts Building premises in front of Aparajeyo Bangla, where homage continued until 1pm.
Following Zuhr prayers, namaz-e-janaza prayer was held at DU’s central mosque, after which he would be laid to eternal rest at Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard.
Around 10:30am, his body was taken to Bangla Academy, where Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury paid tribute. Bangla Academy Director General Mohammad Azam and officials and staff offered their respects.
Prof Fazlul Haq died on Sunday while undergoing treatment at the National Heart Foundation Hospital in Mirpur, Dhaka. He was 85.
He served as the President of Bangla Academy since 27 October 2024, following his appointment by the interim government.
Widely regarded as one of Bangladesh’s leading public intellectuals, he spent more than four decades promoting progressive thought, critical inquiry and intellectual discourse.
Alongside his academic career, he remained an influential voice on democracy, social justice, national development and human liberation.
Born on 30 September 1940 in Pakundia, Kishoreganj, he was the son of Muhammad Abdul Hakim and Jahanara Khatun.
