Rangpur: Former principal of Carmichael College, convener of Rangpur University Implementation Coordination Council, and eminent educationist Professor Dr Muhammad Rezaul Haq has passed away. He breathed his last at Rangpur Community Medical College Hospital around 9 am on Saturday at the age of 92. He had been suffering from various old-age diseases, including pneumonia and diabetes, for a long time.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Professor Haq's passing has left a deep shadow of grief over various educational institutions in Rangpur, as well as the literary and cultural circles. He leaves behind a wife, a son, two daughters, and numerous students and admirers who mourn his death. Born on February 18, 1934, in the traditional Mia house in Chilmari upazila of Kurigram, he had a distinguished academic career. He matriculated in the first division from Chilmari English High School in 1950 and passed his ISC examinations from Rangpur Carmichael College in 1952. He later obtained his honors degree in the Bengali Department from Rajshahi College and completed his postgraduate studies at Dhaka University.
Professor Dr Muhammad Rezaul Haq began his career in 1958 at Madanmohan College, Sylhet, and started his government service at Dhaka Science College on August 8, 1961. He taught at Carmichael College from 1966 to 1977, later becoming the head of the Bengali Department there. He served as principal of Gaibandha Government College and Dinajpur Government College, eventually returning to Carmichael College as principal until his retirement in 1991. Despite offers to serve as Adviser to the Ministry of Culture and Principal of Jagannath College, he remained dedicated to teaching.
In addition to his teaching career, Professor Haq was a prolific writer. His research book was published by Bangla Academy in 1989, followed by his poetry collection 'Shokatur Sangato' in 1991. He composed his first poem titled 'Hothat' while in the eighth grade, and his articles and poems have appeared in various publications. During the caretaker government in 2007-2008, he played a significant role in the movement to establish a university in Rangpur. His leadership led to the formation of the Rangpur University Implementation Coordination Council, resulting in the establishment of Rangpur University in 2008, later renamed Begum Rokeya University in 2009.
Former adviser to the caretaker government, renowned economist Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, expressed deep shock at Professor Haq's passing while speaking to BSS. He extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved family, sought forgiveness for the departed soul, and prayed for him to be granted Jannat.