Bangladesh Academy President Professor Shamsuzzaman Khan has died of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
The prominent folklorist breathed his last around 2pm on Wednesday while undergoing treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) hospital.
Bangla Academy Director General Dr Habibullah Sirajee confirmed the matter of his death to Jago News.
His namaz-e-janaza and burial would be held in his home district Manikganj, the DG said.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her deep sorrow at the death of Prof Shamsuzzaman Khan.
He received Ekushey Padak, Bangla Academy Award, Independence Award and other numerous awards for his contribution to respective fields.
He started his professional life with teaching. On different occasions, he taught at Haraganga College, Munshiganj, Jagannath College (now Jagannath University), Dhaka, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, and National University.
He was the chairman of Bangladesh National Museum Board of Trustees, and director general of Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and Bangladesh National Museum.
Prof Shamsuzzaman Khan attained honours and masters degrees from Dhaka University.
He was born in Charigram in Manikganj district on December 29, 1940.