Archaeologist Enamul Haque passes away

Archaeologist, historian, and art critique Dr Enamul Haque passed away at his home in Dhaka Sunday. He was 85.

Enamul, a former director general of the Bangladesh National Museum, died at his home at about 3:30pm. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded with the Ekushey Padak in 2016, the Swadhinata Padak in 2020 in Bangladesh. The Indian government also conferred the Padma Shri award on him.

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s in history and archaeology from the University of Dhaka, he completed his PhD from Oxford University, researching on South Asian art.

He joined the then Dhaka Museum in 1972. He was the director general of National Museum from September 28, 1983 to February 6, 1991.

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep shock at his death.

In her condolence message, the prime minister said that Professor Enamul Haque, a history and art expert, had a deep passion and respect to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. During the great War of Liberation, she said, Dr Enamul visited London and New York and played an important role in raising world opinion in favour of independence of Bangladesh.

‘His efforts in establishing Bangladesh National Museum as well as introducing Rabindra and Nazrul Jayanti (jubilee) celebrations at the national level are highly commendable,’ she said, mentioning that Dr Enamul was the founding editor of Literary magazine, Uttaran during his study at University of Dhaka.

She also noted that the government of India also awarded him the “Padma Shri” in 2020 for his special contribution to archeology. The prime minister prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.

Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen, education minister Dipu Moni and several other politicians and organisations also expressed deep shock at his death.