People from all walks of life gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar here today to pay their last respects to Professor Emeritus Syed Manzoorul Islam, who passed away yesterday evening while undergoing treatment at a private hospital.

Despite heavy rain, government officials, cultural personalities, teachers, students, and admirers from across the country came together to honor the beloved professor, placing floral wreaths at the altar.

Tributes were offered by representatives from various institutions and organizations, including the Department of Archaeology, Bangladesh Copyright Office, Directorate of Archives and Libraries, Department of Dance (University of Dhaka), Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Kali O Kalam, Department of English (University of Dhaka), Folk and Crafts Foundation, BRAC family, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, Bangladesh National Museum, Bangladesh JASAD, BASAD, Chhayanaut, National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam Institute and Bangla Academy.

Renowned scholar Professor Serajul Islam Choudhury, reflecting on his former student and later colleague, said, "Manzoor was not only a gifted student but also an exceptional teacher. His father was a teacher, and he carried that legacy forward with great distinction. All his students loved him."

Professor Choudhury added Syed Manzoorul Islam excelled as a writer, particularly in fiction, for which he received the Bangla Academy Literary Award and the prestigious Ekushey Padak.

In addition to his fiction, Manzoor made significant contributions as an art critic. He deeply understood fine arts and aesthetics. He also translated Shakespeare's plays and published original literature in English, he said.

Calling him humble and ever-spirited, Prof. Choudhury said, "I never saw him sad, disappointed, or in ill health. His passing is an irreparable loss. Yet, his work as a teacher, writer, critic, and above all, as an extraordinary human being will remain a lasting source of inspiration."

Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Managing Director and Chief Editor Mahbub Morshed, after paying tribute at the Shaheed Minar, said, "There are many teachers at Dhaka University, but very few are accepted by the nation as intellectuals. Professor Manzoorul Islam was one of them."

He said that Prof. Islam not only nurtured generations of students but also inspired many young minds through his literary works. His fiction captured the crises of civic life in a way few others have. 

"Then, we remember this treasure with respect in his death. I think he will remain immortal among us for a lifetime," added the BSS Chief Editor, expressing deep grievances at the departure of the treasure. 

Earlier in the day, tributes were also paid at the Aparajeyo Bangla sculpture on the Dhaka University campus at 10:30 am.