Still a Mysterious Death: In Memory of Muhammad Abdul Hai

Muhammad Abdul Hai was a luminous star in the history of Bengali language and literature, whose brilliance remains undimmed. He was a leading phonetician of Bengali, an exceptional educator, and a scholar of remarkable literary talent. His work in making Bengali grammar and linguistics simple, fluent, and scientific continues to guide students today. In recognition of his contributions to education, he was posthumously awarded the Ekushey Padak in 1996.

Birth and Childhood
Born on 26 November 1919 in Moricha village, Raninagar, Murshidabad, Muhammad Abdul Hai was the son of Abdul Gani, a teacher and imam in Porsa, Naogaon, and Maimunnesa Khatun. From an early age, he displayed deep focus and exceptional talent in his studies.

Education
He began his education at Bardhanpur Junior Madrasa near Moricha. After completing the madrasa in 1932 with distinction, he joined Rajshahi High Madrasa. In 1936, he ranked fifth in the higher madrasa entrance exam. He completed his Intermediate studies in 1938 at Dhaka Islamic Intermediate College, ranking sixth.

Encouraged by Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah, he enrolled in the Bengali Department at Dhaka University in 1938.

1941: BA Honours — Second in First Class

1942: MA — First in First Class

He became the first Muslim student at Dhaka University to achieve First Class in both BA and MA.

Career
He began his career teaching at Dhaka Islamic Intermediate College for one month, then joined the Bengal Junior Education Service as a lecturer. He taught at government colleges in Dhaka, Chittagong, and Krishnanagar, and in 1947 joined Rajshahi Government College.

On 2 March 1949, he joined Dhaka University’s Bengali Department, marking the brightest phase of his career.

Higher Education and Research
On 18 September 1950, he went to the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, to research linguistics. Under Professor J. R. Firth, he wrote the renowned dissertation A Study of Nasals and Nasalization in Bengali. He earned his MA with distinction in 1952.

Life at Dhaka University
February 1952 — Lecturer in Bengali and Sanskrit Departments
16 November 1954 — Reader and Department Head
1962 — Promoted to Professor at age 43; served as Head of the Bengali Department until his death.

Tragic Period
In 1968, he went to the University of Missouri as a visiting professor. Political instability and conspiracies at home led to false allegations, defamation, and undue stress, leaving him mentally exhausted. Returning home, he was empty, weary, and solitary.

Mysterious Death
On 3 June 1969, he died after being struck by a moving train in Dhaka. Whether it was suicide or an accident remains unknown. Many attribute his untimely death to political conspiracies. His passing drew a large crowd at Dhaka University’s quarters. He was buried at Azimpur Graveyard.

Honours
Bangla Academy Award (1961) — Outstanding contributions in essays and research
Ekushey Padak (Posthumous, 1996)

Tribute
His death remains mysterious and heartbreaking, but his contributions are immortal. Muhammad Abdul Hai was an exceptional figure in language, literature, and research—whose memory, work, and humanity will guide generations. We remember him with respect, a great teacher, pioneer linguist, and literary scholar.

Khaborwala/TSN