Educationist and writer Jatin Sarkar was remembered at a programme held at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka on Friday.
The event titled Nagorik Shokshobha, which comprised discussion and cultural show, was organised by Bangladesh Udichi Shipligoshthi.
Veteran left politician Mujahidul Islam Selim, former Jahangirnagar University professor Anu Muhammad, editor of Dainik Amader Shomoy Abu Sayeed Khan, Bangla Academy director general Mohammad Azam and political activist Baki Billah, among others, spoke at the event moderated by Udichi general secretary Jamshed Anwar Tapan.
The event was chaired by Udichi vice-president Ekramul Kabir Eltu.
Mujahidul Islam Selim said Jatin Sarkar was an ideal teacher and political narrator who often mentioned the lives of marginalised people as examples when teaching political theory and history.
Anu Muhammad said that Jatin Sarkar will be remembered for his works and teaching approach. He never thought about living in Dhaka as a teacher, which is rare in Bangladesh.
鈥楬e came to Dhaka many times for work, teaching and to deliver speech but never wanted to live in Dhaka. As a writer, he always explored theory and history,鈥� Anu Muhammad said, adding that the government should ensure freedom of speech instead of patronising mob violence.
Mohammad Azam said that Jatin Sarkar used to read works of all writers, even young and marginal authors, which helped him to communicate and work with many generations.
鈥楬e edited many collections and journals of folk literature. He regularly read works of district-level writers,鈥� Mohammad Azam said, adding that Jatin Sarkar researched cultural and political practices of the marginalised people.
Artiste-director Deepak Suman recited a poem while members of Udichi performed songs and recited poems at the event.
Independence Award-winning writer and educationist Professor Jatin Sarkar died on August 13 at the age of 89.
Born on August 18, 1936, Jatin Sarkar received the Independence Award in 2010 and the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 2007.
