In a solemn tribute amid heavy rain, teachers, students, writers, journalists, human rights activists, prominent figures, and people from all walks of life gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka to pay their respects to renowned educator Syed Monjurul Islam.
After the funeral prayers at Dhaka University Central Mosque, his body was laid to rest at the Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard on Saturday at 4:00 PM.
At the Shaheed Minar, Emeritus Professor Sirajul Islam Chowdhury said, “Syed Monjurul Islam was a brilliant student and teacher. Following the ideals of his father, he became an exemplary educator. He was an accomplished writer and critic in literature, arts, and aesthetics. He never became disheartened and was a humble person. His passing is an irreplaceable loss.”
Professor Asif Najrul, legal advisor, added, “We spent many years together on campus. He was an immensely popular teacher. The large gathering here today, despite the rain, reflects his popularity. He was selfless, humble, and encouraged new writers.”
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Water Resources, said, “Being from Sylhet, I worked with him on environmental issues. He was a profoundly wise and selfless individual.”
Earlier in the day, at 10:30 AM, Syed Monjurul Islam’s body was placed in front of Aparajeyo Bangla, where faculty members and students from the Faculty of Arts, including Dean of the Faculty of Arts Siddiqur Rahman Khan, Chairman of the English Department Professor Tazin Aziz Chowdhury, the English Alumni Association, and the Music Department paid their respects by offering flowers.
At the Central Shaheed Minar, Poet Mohon Raihan, President of the National Poetry Council, delivered a brief talk on Syed Monjurul Islam’s life and contributions. Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Niyaz Ahmad Khan also paid tribute on behalf of the university.
Syed Monjurul Islam’s sister, Sahida Sattar, said, “We are overwhelmed by how popular my brother was as a teacher. From the hospital last week to today, even in the rain, so many people have come to pay their respects. We are deeply grateful to everyone.”
