Abul Kalam Mohammed Zakaria ( – 24 February 2016) was a Bangladeshi scholar and archaeologist. He was awarded the

Ekushey Padak Ekushey Padak () is the second highest civilian award in Bangladesh, introduced in memory of martyrs of the Bengali language movement of 1952. The award is given to recognize contributions in a number of fields, including culture, education, and e ...

in 2015 and the

Bangla Academy Literary Award The Bangla Academy Literary Award (; ''Bangla Academy Shahitya Puroshkar'') is given by the Bangla Academy of Bangladesh in recognition of creative genius in advancement and overall contribution in the field of Bengali language and literature. ...

in 2005 by the

Government of Bangladesh The government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh () is the central government of Bangladesh. The government was constituted by the Constitution of Bangladesh comprising the executive (the president, prime minister and cabinet), the ...

for his contribution to research.

Education and career

Zakaria earned his bachelor's in English literature from the

University of Dhaka The University of Dhaka (), also known as Dhaka University (DU), is a public university, public research university located in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Established in 1921, it is the oldest active university in the country. The University of Dhaka w ...

. In 1946, he started his career as a teacher at Azizul Haq College in

Bogra Bogra (), List of renamed places in Bangladesh, officially Bogura, is a city located in Bogra District, Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh. The city is a major commercial hub in North Bengal, Northern Bangladesh. It is the second largest city in te ...

. Later, he joined the civil service. In 1968, Zakaria helped to discover a site containing Sintakote Vihar of the 5th century in

Dinajpur Dinajpur ( ) is a city and the district headquarters of Dinajpur district situated in Rangpur Division, Bangladesh. It was founded in 1786. It is located 413 km north-west of Dhaka. It is bounded on the north by Suihari, Katapara, Bangi ...

. Zakira retired from the position of Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Sports in 1976.

Works

Zakaria edited the following books. * Gupi Chandrer Sonyas * Gazi Kalu O Champabati * Bangladesher Nreetotya * Comilla Zelar Itihash * Tabaqat-i Nasiri

Awards

(2015) *

(2005) * Asiatic Society Man of the Year Gold Medal * ROOTS Lifetime Achievement Award 2009

References

1910s births 2016 deaths People from Brahmanbaria district University of Dhaka alumni Bangladeshi archaeologists Recipients of the Ekushey Padak Recipients of Bangla Academy Award {{Bangladesh-bio-stub