Writer, educator, and literary critic Syed Monzurul Islam received an outpouring of respect and condolences from colleagues, students, government advisers, writers, politicians, and representatives of various social organizations during his final journey. Despite heavy rain, people gathered to pay tribute to him.
On Saturday (October 11), at 11 am, his body was placed at the Central Shaheed Minar for public homage. Tributes continued until 12:30 pm, with individuals from all walks of life offering flowers and sharing memories. Those who spoke about him unanimously remembered Syed Monzurul Islam as a selfless, honest, humble, and generous-minded individual.
Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said, “He was an exceptionally knowledgeable and humble person. He remained steadfast in his beliefs but always respected the opinions of others. Encouraging new writers was one of his many virtues.”
Forest and Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan added, “He was worthy of everyone’s respect. While his personal stance was always clear, he honored differing opinions. Dhaka University and the nation have lost one of their greatest teachers.”
Emirates Professor Sirajul Islam Chowdhury said, “Syed Monzurul Islam was involved in painting, aesthetics, English literature, and theatre. He was always committed to new ideas and creativity. I never saw him gloomy—he was always immersed in his work. His life and contributions will remain an inspiration to us all.”
Various organizations and personalities paid their respects at the Shaheed Minar, including Kafi Ratan, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh; Bangladesh Socialist Party (Basad); Basad (Marxist); Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD); Socialist Student Front; Bangladesh Chhatra Union; Bangladesh Jubo Union; writer Helal; Mohon Raihan, President of the National Poetry Council; photographer Shahidul Alam; Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy; Mazharul Islam of Onnodin and Onno Prokash; Jahangir Hossain, Director of the Heritage Foundation; Mahbub Morshed, Managing Director and Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BASS); South Asian Forum of Pathshala; poets Dilara Hafiz and Tushar Das on behalf of Rafiq Azad Memorial Council; Satyen Sen Artists’ Group; his younger sister Syeda Sattar Baby; and Ethics Club Bangladesh.
After the tribute ceremony at Shaheed Minar, Syed Monzurul Islam’s body was taken to the Central Jame Masjid of Dhaka University for his funeral prayers.
Earlier, at around 10:30 am, students and faculty paid respects at the Aprajeya Bangla area of Dhaka University. Among them were Siddiqur Rahman Khan, Dean of the Faculty of Arts; Professor Tajin Aziz Chowdhury, Chairman of the English Department; members of the English Alumni Association; and teachers and students from the Music Department and other departments.
