Braving rain, people gather at Shaheed Minar to pay homage to Prof Abul Quasem Fazlul Huq

"The passing of Prof Abul Quasem is the greatest loss to our movement for building a knowledge-based society,” says poet Rezauddin Stalin

It has been pouring since Monday morning in the capital. Still, the adverse weather has not deterred people from paying their final tributes to essayist, researcher, literary critic, and social analyst Prof Abul Quasem Fazlul Huq.

Despite the downpour, crowds from all walks of life gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar at 11am. The late professor's coffin was soon covered with wreaths placed by political, social, and cultural organisations, as well as numerous institutions and individuals.

Among those who paid tribute at the Shaheed Minar were Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigosthi, Pragati Lekhak Sangha, Bangladesh Lekhok Shibir, Rashtrabhasha Bangla Rokkha Committee, Bangladesh State Reform Movement, the Anti-Imperialism and Anti-War Movement, and the National Anti-Corruption Coordination Committee.

Tributes were also offered by the Directorate of Public Libraries, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangladesh Copyright Office, Shilpi Kalyan Trust, and Bangladesh Open University.

Political parties and organisations that laid wreaths included the Biplobi Workers Party, Jatiya Gana Front (on behalf of Comrade Tipu Biswas), Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), Ganatantrik Baam Oikya, Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BaSaD), Bangladesh Samajtantrik Front, Bangladesh Workers and Employees Federation, Charan Cultural Centre, Bangladesh Jubo Union, Chhatra Union, Bangladesher Swadhinata Party, Bangladesh Garib Mukti Andolon, leaders of the Sammyabadi Andolon, and Sonar Bangla Party.

On behalf of various institutions and individuals, tributes were also paid by linguist Monsur Musa, former caretaker government advisor Sharmin S Murshid, Annya Prokash publisher Mazharul Islam, Prof Siddiqur Rahman, researcher Mofidul Hoque, Nayan Jahangir, Mohammad Shamsul Zaman, Abu Sayeed Khan, Mohammad Sultan Uddin, Alamgir Shikdar Liton, and representatives of the Jahanara Hakim Bidyaniketan and the Ganatantrik Sangskritik Oikya.

After paying tribute, poet Rezauddin Stalin, director general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, said:

"The passing of Prof Abul Quasem Fazlul Huq is the greatest loss to our movement for building a knowledge-based society. He was one of the foremost figures in the history of Bangladesh's political culture. He never stopped speaking out against fear, and no force could silence his voice. Even after extremists murdered his son, he did not retreat. Through his writings and the journals he edited, he continued his work with unwavering commitment."

Former caretaker government advisor Sharmin S Murshid also expressed deep emotion, saying:

"Our journey with him spans many years. Today, I also remember National Professor Fayez Ahmed, with whom we worked extensively in the cultural and political spheres. The passing of such scholars and intellectuals leaves behind an enormous void that we must reflect upon. Their departure is profoundly painful for us."

"Our greatest concern now is that society should not become devoid of knowledge and conscience. We must preserve the intellectual legacy these great individuals have left behind and expand the space for enlightenment and moral awareness. Standing here today, I do not believe I have the capacity to adequately evaluate him, because in attempting to do so, I fear I would only diminish his stature. I will simply say that the number of such distinguished mentors, capable of enriching society with knowledge and wisdom, is gradually declining."

Recalling her memories of the late professor, Dhaka University teacher and playwright Samina Lutfa said:

"There was so much to learn from this teacher, who remained steadfast in protest even after facing the devastating loss of his own son. He was exceptionally kind and approachable. Throughout my 30 years at the University of Dhaka, whenever there were complex issues regarding academic freedom or the university ordinance, he was the person we turned to for sound guidance and solutions. Whether someone was a student or a teacher, important or otherwise, he always treated everyone with equal respect and dignity. His passing is an irreparable loss."

Standing beside her father's coffin at the Shaheed Minar, Prof Shuchita Sharmin of Dhaka University, daughter of Prof Huq, spoke through tears:

"My father always wanted to work with everyone. He consistently tried to unite people for the betterment of the country and the welfare of its people. He inspired so many throughout his life."

"I believe we will all continue to follow the ideals and path he showed us. I request everyone to pray for the eternal peace of my father's soul."

Following the rain-soaked tribute ceremony at the Shaheed Minar, the professor’s body was taken to the Aparajeyo Bangla sculpture in the afternoon.

A second funeral prayer is scheduled to be held at the Dhaka University Central Mosque later in the afternoon, after which he will be laid to rest at the Martyred Intellectuals' Graveyard in Mirpur.