Professor Shamsuzzaman Khan, legendary folklorist and Chairman of Bangla Academy, passed away at a city hospital Wednesday (April 14, 2021) after losing his battle with Covid-19.
The 80-year-old was on life support after being tested Covid-19 positive and was undergoing treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital for other illnesses as well.
Bangla Academy Director General Habibullah Siraji confirmed the news to UNB, saying: "Professor Shamsuzzaman breathed his last at around 2pm at BSMMU after fighting with Covid-19 for two weeks."
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The folklorist will be laid to rest at his family graveyard in Manikganj later in the day.
Professor Shamsuzzaman was put on life support on Monday as his condition had worsened. He and his wife tested positive for Covid-19 on March 30.
Born in 1940 in Manikganj's Charigram, Shamsuzzaman is recognised as one of the most respected folklorists of the country.
As a folklorist, researcher and writer, Shamsuzzaman penned and edited more than 100 books including "Folklore Charcha," "Muktabuddhi," "Dharmanirapekshata O Samakal," "Bangarashtrer Galpasamagra," "Kishore Rachanasamagra," and "Bangladesher Utsab."
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He was awarded the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 2001, Ekushey Padak in 2009 and Independence Award in 2017 for his great contribution to the arts and culture of Bangladesh.
The folklorist completed his post-graduation from the University of Dhaka and started his career as a lecturer for Haraganga College in Munshiganj and Jagannath College (now university) in 1964.
He was appointed as the director-general of Bangla Academy on May 24, 2009, and continued till May 23, 2018.
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Shamsuzzaman was named the new Bangla Academy Chairman in June 2020 after the death of former president National Professor Anisuzzaman, who also died from Covid-19.
In his esteemed career, Shamsuzzaman also served as the director-general of Bangladesh National Museum and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
Shamsuzzaman worked as a faculty member of Bangladesh Agricultural University from 1968 to 1973 and National University from 1998 to 2001, too.