Serajul Islam Choudhury

Professor Serajul Islam Choudhury, affectionately referred to as "our nation's teacher," is a towering intellectual in Bangladesh and a revered symbol of intellectual independence. With his extensive knowledge and critical insights as a literary and cultural critic, historian, political analyst and activist he has become a formidable voice who has been speaking truth to power for nearly six decades now.

Born in 1937 in Munshiganj, Serajul Islam Choudhury dedicated over 40 years of his life to teaching, writing, and leading the Department of English at Dhaka University. He was not just a teacher and intellectual, but also a visionary who established important institutions that contributed to the development of academia in Bangladesh. He founded the University Book Centre and the Centre for Advanced Research in Humanities, and served as the editor of two prominent journals -- the Dhaka Bishyabidyalay Patrika for 15 years and the Dhaka University Studies for nine years.

Professor Choudhury has been a vocal critic of autocracy and imperialism, and has consistently fought for the rights of workers, peasants, women, and minorities.  He founded the Samaj Rupantar Adhyayan Kendra, a centre for social transformation, which publishes the research-based journal Notun Diganta. He also edited the left views weekly called Saptahik Samoy.

Professor Choudhury's impressive body of work has cemented his legacy as an intellectual giant and champion of free thinking. His major works, such as "Jatiyotabad, Sampradayikata o Janaganer Mukti" (Nationalism, Communalism and freedom of people), "Ganatantrer Pokkhe Bipokkhe" (For and Against Democracy), "Rashtrer Malikana" (Ownership of the State), "Upanibesher Sangskriti" (Colonial Culture) and "Pitritantrikatar Bipakkhe" (Against Patriarchy), have received critical acclaim for their progressive and independent viewpoints.

Serajul Islam Choudhury's unwavering commitment to truth and justice has made him a powerful symbol of intellectual freedom and a source of inspiration for generations of Bangladeshis. The Daily Star pays tribute to this beloved educator and guide of the nation with our sincerest gratitude.