Renowned Archaeologist and Folklorist Habibulla Passes

Muhammad Habibulla Pathan, the eminent archaeologist and folklorist renowned for his work at the historic Uari-Bateshwar site, and a recipient of the prestigious Bangla Academy Award, has passed away. He died at his residence in Bateshwar village, Belab Upazila, Narsingdi, today at 11:30 a.m. at the age of 87.

Habibulla Pathan is survived by his wife, three daughters, and five grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of scholarship and mentorship in the fields of archaeology and folklore.

Illness and Final Days

According to the family, Pathan had been battling advanced-stage lung cancer for several years, alongside other age-related health complications. He was admitted to a Dhaka hospital approximately six weeks ago, where doctors determined his condition had progressed to stage four, rendering oral intake of food and medicine extremely difficult. On medical advice, he was brought home shortly before his passing as his health deteriorated.

Early Life and Legacy

Born on 7 February 1939 in Bateshwar village, Belab Upazila, Narsingdi, Pathan was the son of Hanif Pathan and Meherunnesa. His father, Hanif Pathan, was a distinguished folklorist and one of Bangladesh’s most prolific collectors of proverbs, who first introduced Uari-Bateshwar’s archaeological treasures to the public. Guided by his father, Habibulla developed a lifelong interest in archaeology and folklore. In 1955, while still in eighth grade, he began assisting his father with the survey of Uari-Bateshwar, which later laid the groundwork for formal excavations that commenced in 2000.

Together, father and son established the Bateshwar Archaeological Collection and Library, housing over 3,000 years of artefacts, rare books, historical periodicals, and commemorative items. This repository remains a vital centre for research and public education on the region’s cultural heritage.

Awards and Publications

Pathan’s scholarly contributions earned him numerous accolades, including the title of Bangla Academy Fellow in 2009 and the Bangla Academy Award in 2020. His co-authored work with Sufi Mostafizur Rahman, Uari-Bateshwar: In Search of Roots, was recognised as the First Alo Best Book of the Year in 2013. Over his lifetime, Pathan authored 16 books, covering topics from local folklore and ancient port cities to literary traditions of Narsingdi and surrounding regions.

Other notable works include Bangladeshi Proverbs and Folk Tales, Ancient Port City Uari-Bateshwar, Bhatkabi and Poetry (Vols. 1 & 2), and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Folklore.

Funeral Arrangements

The funeral prayer will be held today at 5:30 p.m. at the Bateshwar School grounds, followed by burial at the family graveyard. Habibulla Pathan’s scholarly contributions have left an indelible mark on Bangladesh’s cultural and archaeological heritage, inspiring future generations to explore and preserve the nation’s rich history.