Today, July 16, 2026 (Thursday) afternoon, on the occasion of the death anniversary of one of the greatest scholars of Bengali language, literature and linguistics, ascetic and polyglot Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah, a discussion meeting was held at the Kabi Al Mahmud Lekhak Auditorium under the initiative of the History School (The Academy of History Bangladesh). The meeting was presided over by the Director of the History School and linguist Dr. M. A. A. Muktadir. The chief guest was Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah’s granddaughter, prominent cultural organizer, writer and poet Kawsar Jahan Farida Moni Shahidullah. The discussion meeting was attended by veteran writer and linguist A. B. M. Mohiuddin Khan Chowdhury, Director and Editor of History Pathshala Sohel Mohammad Fakhrud-Din, Poets Matiara Chowdhury Minu, Riyad Mahmud Khan, Rekha Islam, Yasmin Ara Shelly, Mohammad Munir, Bakul, Rafiqul Islam Hamza, Mayaraj, Shahed Biplob and other prominent figures associated with literature, culture and history research. The speakers said that Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah was a unique leader in Bengali language and literary research. His extraordinary command over many languages including Bengali, Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Sanskrit, Pali, and English earned him special status in the international arena. His research on linguistics, literature, history and culture is equally relevant today. His immortal saying—”In a country where virtue is not appreciated, virtue is not born in that country”—was specially remembered in the discussion. The speakers said that Dr. Shahidullah worked tirelessly throughout his life to establish the pursuit of knowledge, free intellect, non-communal consciousness and the dignity of the mother tongue. His contribution to the origin of the Bengali language, Charyapad research, medieval Bengali literature and linguistics is an invaluable asset for the nation. Chief guest Kawsar Jahan Farida Moni Shahidullah, in her speech, shared family memories and said that Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah believed in knowledge as the main force for human welfare and called upon the new generation to be inspired by research, human values and love of language.