Prof Shamsuzzaman Khan new president of Bangla Academy

Former Bangla Academy Director General Prof Shamshuzzaman Khan yesterday returned to his old workplace, but at a new capacity.

Prof Shamshuzzaman joined office as president of the organisation through a small programme, attended by the Academy's Director General Habibullah Siraji and other staffers.

In his speech, Prof Shamshuzzaman expressed hopes of working together to build the institution as a symbol of nation's intellectual and cultural hope. 

Prof Shamshuzzaman, who will hold the office for a three-year term, succeeds National Professor Anisuzzaman, who served as President of Bangla Academy since 2012 till his demise last month. He was re-appointed for a three-year term from January 29 this year to January 26, 2023.

Prof Shamsuzzaman Khan served as Director General of Bangla Academy for 10 years.  He is renowned for editing a book series on folk culture of 64 different districts in 64 volumes, and collections of folklore series in 114 volumes.

He was awarded Bangla Academy Literary Award in 2001, Ekushey Padak in 2009 and Independence Day Award in 2017. 

He also served as the director general of the Bangladesh National Museum and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. 

Prof Shamsuzzaman Khan was also appointed as 'Bangabandhu Chair' Professor at Islamic University and was nominated as a syndicate member of Dhaka University.