Dr Rashid Askari, a former vice-chancellor and also a Professor of English department of Islamic University in Kushtia , has won the Vidyasagar Award 2023 for his contribution to Education.

The Sanskrit College and University, Kolkata, India and Vidyasagar Society, Dhaka Bangladesh have jointly awarded him the award on Tuesday night, IU academic office officials said on Monday.

He has been awarded the award in recognition of his contributions to higher education in Bangladeshi academia and defending of the causes of rationalism, secularism, liberalism, progressivism, gender equality and women empowerment through his writings and public speeches.

The Sanskrit College and University vice-chancellor Professor Raj Kumar Kothari and Vidyasagar Society, Dhaka's founder secretary general Dr Mohammad Abdul Hye handed the award over to Dr Rashid Askari on Tuesday night.

Talking to the Boishakhi News, Dr Rashid Askari said, “I’m delighted and grateful to both Kolkata Sanskrit College and University and Vidyasagar Society, Dhaka for having conferred this award on me.

The legacy of the ever rational, progressive, science-minded and a crusader against all social injustices, Vidyasagar has been rooted in the core of my consciousness since my student days.

I, as a vice-chancellor, tried to translate this into action as much as I could, and these humanistic ideals also inspire me with confidence while I write. The recognition received through the award will propel me in unceasing humanitarian pursuits," he said.

Earlier, an international conference on 'Vidyasagar and the episteme of Bengal' jointly organised by the Sanskrit College and University, Kolkata, India and Vidyasagar Society, Dhaka marking the 203rd birth anniversary of Pandit Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar held at BB1 Bharati Bhavan, Kolkata, India on Tuesday.

Among others, Mr Goutam De, former Director, ICCR, Biswadeb Chakraborty, Coordinator, URI, India and Dr. Tania Chakravertty, Dean of Students’ Welfare, Diamond Harbour Women’s University, West Bengal India, among others, were present on the occasion.

Rashid Askari is a distinguished Bangladeshi academic, educationist, freethinking bilingual author, fictionist, columnist, translator and media personality.