Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) – Eminent intellectual and national professor Kabir Chowdhury died of cardiac arrest in the capital early Tuesday. He was 89.
He died in between 3:30am to 6:00am in his sleep at his Naya Paltan residence, a close relative said.
Mr. Chowdhury left behind his wife, three daughters and a host of relatives, well wishers and admirers to mourn his death.
As the news of his death spread, grief-stricken relatives and friends started to assemble at his residence, Gazi Bhaban at Naya Paltan in the capital Dhaka.
He was born in 1923 in Brahmanbaria district where his father was working as a government employee at the time.
Mr. Chowdhury grew up in an atmosphere that encouraged liberal ideas and secular thinking.
He studied English Literature at Dhaka University in the early 1940s.
Mr. Chowdhury began his illustrious career as a teacher at Pabna Edward College.
He also served at Rajshahi Government College, Dhaka College, BM College in Barisal and Anandamohan College in Mymensingh.
He joined the University of Dhaka in 1974.
After independence, he served as the member secretary of the first national education commission. Chowdhury wrote over 250 books.
In 1998 he was made National Professor of Bangladesh.
For his contribution to education, literature and social movements, Kabir Chowdhury has been honoured nationally and internationally.
Among the numerous awards he has received are the Bangla Academy Literary Award, Ekushey Padak, Shadhinota Padak, Bangabandhu National Award, Mohammad Nasiruddin Literary Award, Sher-e-Bangla Award and William Carey Award (India).
BBN/SSR/AD-13Dec11-10:08 am (BST)
