Late eminent archaeologist AKM Zakaria's 101st birth anniversary was celebrated on October 2 at Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Segunbagicha in the city.
The programme titled 'Abul Kalam Mohammad Zakaria-er Ekshoto Ek Tomo Jonmobarshiki' was organised by Committee for Documentation of Architectural Sites in Dhaka.
Abul Kalam Mohammed Zakaria was a noted scholar and archaeologist. He was awarded Ekushey Padak in 2015 and Bangla Academy Literary Award in 2005 by the Government of Bangladesh for his contribution to research. He edited a number of books---'Gupi Chandrer Sonyas', 'Gazi Kalu O Champabati, 'Bangladesher Nreetotya', 'Comilla Zelar Itihash' and 'Tabaqat-i Nasiri'. Zakaria earned his bachelor's in English literature from the University of Dhaka. In 1946, he started his career as a teacher at Azizul Haq College in Bogra. Later, he joined the civil service. In 1968, Zakaria helped to discover a site containing Sintakote Vihar of the 5th century in Dinajpur. Zakaria retired from the position of Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Sports in 1976.
The programme featured performing art show, photography exhibition and discussion. Former Dhaka University vice-chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique, also chairman of Committee for Documentation of Architectural Sites in Dhaka, was present as the chief guest, while journalist Mozammel Hossain Manju and Dhaka University (DU) Professor Shamima Banu spoke on the life and immense contributions of AKM Zakaria.
AKM Zakaria was a secular, introverted and soft-spoken by nature. He was a dedicated researcher and visionary. He had made significant contribution to country's archaeological sector. His researches and writings will continue to inspire archeology students, researchers and aficionados for years to come.
Zakaria has also translated many literary work of the middle age into Bangla. He was one of the few scholars in our country who mastered Persian language and translated many Persian books into Bangla. The archaeologist was a former president of the editorial board of a committee to publish books on the architectural sites in Dhaka.
Late Zakaria's daughter Sufia Atiya Zakaria paid tribute to her father Zakaria. Singers Sanjuti Nowroz, Ishrat Jahan Kakon and Aruna Sarkar paid tribute to Zakaria rendering some popular Tagore songs.
A total of 29 photographs depicting Zakaria's life and works were projected on a screen.
Archaeologist Zakaria had keen interest in traditional performing art forms, including, 'Jogir Gaan' where a guru with a torch in his hand teaches his disciples diverse philosophical topics.
Born on October 1, 1918, AKM Zakaria started his career as a teacher at Bogura Azizul Haque College. He later joined the civil service and initiated excavation of archaeological sites. He played an important role in the discovery of Sitakot Bihar, a seventh century Buddhist monastery in Dinajpur.
For his research works, Zakaria received Ekushey Padak in 2015 and Bangla Academy Award in 2006.
He passed away on February 24, 2016.
