Manzoorul Islam (1951-2025)
Professor Emeritus Syed Manzoorul Islam of Dhaka University's English department, revered for his teaching, literary brilliance, and principled engagement with Bangladesh's cultural and civic spheres, breathed his last yesterday. He was 74.
Manzoorul, widely regarded as one of the pioneers of postmodern Bangla literature, died around 5:00pm while undergoing treatment at Labaid Hospital in Dhaka, Mazharul Islam, chief executive of Anyaprokash, confirmed.
Mazharul said Manzoorul's body will be kept at the Central Shaheed Minar around 11:00am today for the public to pay their last respects. After Zuhr prayers and janaza at Dhaka University Mosque, he will be buried at the Mirpur Intellectuals' Graveyard.
Last Friday, Prof Manzoorul fell ill in his car on the way to the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh. He was admitted to Labaid Hospital following a heart attack. After undergoing surgery, two stents were placed in his heart.
Since last Saturday, his condition had deteriorated. His oxygen level dropped, and his health worsened due to water accumulation in his lungs. Life support was provided on Sunday evening.
Earlier yesterday, Manzoorul was put on life support again as his condition deteriorated.
He left behind his wife, a son, and a host of relatives and well-wishers to mourn his death.
Manzoorul was awarded the Ekushey Padak for his contribution to language and literature in 2018, and received the Bangla Academy Award for literature in 1996.
Born on January 18, 1951, in Sylhet, Manzoorul completed his BA and MA in English from Dhaka University, followed by a PhD in English literature from Queen's University, Canada.
He taught English literature for over four decades, retiring from Dhaka University in 2018. He later joined the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) and served as visiting faculty at Brac University. In 2023, Dhaka University honoured him as Professor Emeritus.
His academic interests spanned Elizabethan drama, literary theory, and cultural studies. He had been a vocal advocate for university autonomy and inclusive education, especially during the pandemic, highlighting the digital divide and the need for greater investment in higher education.
Manzoorul served on the Board of Trustees of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and was the Ombudsperson of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB). He was a former trustee of both TIB and the National Museum, and a member of the Executive Council of Bangla Academy.
He was also a noted columnist, writing regularly on political and social issues.
He entered the fiction arena in 1973 through a short story published in the weekly Bichitra. This was followed by a long voluntary hiatus. After nearly a decade and a half, he made a return with a story in the 1989 Eid issue of Bichinta. Since then, he had been writing regularly, primarily focusing on short stories.
As a writer, Manzoorul was known for blending realism and surrealism. His collection "Prem O Prarthonar Golpo" won the Prothom Alo Book of the Year Award in 2005.
His notable works include "Thaka Na Thakar Golpo", "Kach Vanga Raater Golpo", "Andhakar O Alo Dekhar Golpo", "Adhkhana Manushyo", "Dinratriguli", "Ajgubi Rat", "Tin Porber Jibon", and "Nandantattwa". His English short story collection "The Merman's Prayer and Other Stories" was acclaimed for its magical realism and postmodern style.
In a condolence message, Education Adviser CR Abrar said, "His passing is a great loss to the nation. We have lost a guiding light and a cultural pioneer, and the education community has lost an inspiring teacher and thinker."
His contribution to the development of literature, education, and culture is undeniable, the message added.
TIB has expressed profound sorrow at the passing of Manzoorul.
In a condolence message, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said Prof Manzoorul made remarkable contributions to advancing anti-corruption social movements and promoting good governance in Bangladesh.
"His thoughtful guidance, insightful advice, principled counsel, and empathetic support inspired all of us. TIB will always remain indebted to him for his extraordinary contribution," he said.
Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan in his condolence message remembered Manzoorul's extraordinary contribution to education and research in Bangladesh.
