Anthropologist Helal Uddin Khan Shamsul Arefin dies at 68

Anthropologist Dr Helal Uddin Khan Shamsul Arefin, a former professor of the Dhaka University anthropology department has died at the age of 68.

The department's current Chairman Professor Hasan A Shafie said Dr Arefin died at his residence in Dhaka's Lalmatia Saturday afternoon.

"He was alone in the house at that time. He looked fine to me when I visited him a few days ago," Prof Shafie told bdnews24.com.

Prof Arefin is survived by a son and a daughter.

He retired from Dhaka University anthropology department as a professor in 2014. After retiring from Dhaka University, he joined European University of Bangladesh as its pro-vice chancellor.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique has mourned the death of the prominent anthropologist.

"Professor Dr Helal Uddin Khan was a meritorious and sincere teacher. He has special contribution in social science research and theory. He was a freedom fighter and patriot," Siddique said in a condolence message.

Anthropologist Prof Arefin was involved in various socio-cultural organisations and movements for small ethnic groups' rights and education.

Dr Arefin is one of the seven children of Chandpur's Ashek Ali Khan.

His brother Burhanuddin Khan Jahangir is a former professor at Dhaka University's political science department and another brother Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir is a former home minister of the Awami League government.

His elder sister Nilufar Begum was a joint secretary of the Government of Bangladesh.

Prof Shafie said Dr Arefin's body will be brought to the university on Sunday noon for the people to pay respect.

He will be buried at Banani Graveyard at 3pm after the funeral prayers at the university's Central Mosque.