Professor Dr. Milton Biswas

Department of Bengali

Jagannath University

Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Email: writermiltonbiswas@gmail.com

1. Introduction:

Professor Dr. Milton Biswas is a distinctive figure in the realms of literature, research, and education in Bangladesh. Each chapter of his biography and career showcases a vibrant work culture, serving as an inspiration for students, researchers, columnists, and social workers alike. This article delves into his personal and academic life, educational achievements, literary contributions, research, and social and international engagements.

2. Abstract:

The biography of Professor Dr. Milton Biswas paints a vivid picture of the academic and literary landscape of Bangladesh. Born into a Christian family, he has emerged as a promising and talented researcher and writer.

Key points:
a) Personal and Academic Background: Born on February 8, into a Christian family, he earned MPhil and PhD degrees from Dhaka University.

b) Professional Career: He has been a professor at Chittagong University since 2000 and is currently a Professor and recently former Head of the Department of Bengali at Jagannath University. He has been teaching at public universities for approximately 25 years.
c) Literary Works and Research: Authored over 25 books, 47 articles, and more than 4,000 columns, focusing on subaltern theory and postmodern research.
d) Social and International Contributions: Serves as Secretary of the Ecumenical Christian Trust (ECT), Secretary of the Bangladesh Progressive Columnist Forum, and has been a guest at various international seminars and book fairs.
e) Awards and Honors: Recipient of the “Dineshchandra Sen Smriti Swarna Padak-2023” and “Dinesh-Rabindra Patra Sammanana 2023,” among other accolades.
3. Biography and Personal Background:
Professor Dr. Milton Biswas was born on February 8 into a Christian family. His family background demonstrated a strong commitment to education. From a young age, he was passionate about learning and consistently excelled in every phase of his life. In his personal life, the harmony of religious beliefs and human values inspires the new generation towards education and social responsibility. His biography illustrates that through a combination of personal struggle and perseverance, he achieved remarkable academic and literary accomplishments.
4. Educational Qualifications:
Professor Biswas’s educational achievements are a distinctive example. He completed his MPhil from Dhaka University on “Poetic Thought of Jibanananda Das and Buddhadev Basu” in 1999, and later earned his PhD in 2007 on “Subaltern People in Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay’s Short Stories.”
5. Professional Career and Academic Contributions:
Professor Biswas began his teaching career at Chittagong University in 2000, marking the start of a new chapter in his academic journey. He currently holds the position of Professor and recently served as the Head of the Department of Bengali at Jagannath University, Dhaka.
He is also a Syndicate Member at IUBAT (International University of Business, Agriculture, and Technology) and he previously served as the Director of Public Relations, Information, and Publications at Jagannath University. His professional career encompasses significant contributions across various domains:
a) Academic Leadership and Education:
Since commencing his teaching at Chittagong University, he has achieved notable success in academia. As the Head of the Department of Bengali at Jagannath University, he has played a vital role in enhancing the quality of education and research. During his tenure, he organized over 10 (ten) national and international seminars within the Bengali Department of Jagannath University. Distinguished figures from both domestic and international backgrounds participated as key speakers in these seminars, fostering innovative ideas in the fields of art and literature.
b) Research Work:
One of his most significant research areas is the analysis of short stories and literature through the lens of subaltern theory, which has opened new horizons in Bangladeshi literature. By engaging in further research via the UGC Postdoctoral Fellowship, he has sparked new ideas and research trends. Under his guidance, a researcher from the Bengali Department of Jagannath University earned the first PhD degree in the department’s history. Four PhD and two MPhil degrees have been awarded under his supervision. Currently, he also oversees multiple MPhil-PhD researchers.
c) Seminars and Discussion Circles:
His involvement in various international seminars and book fairs, particularly the New York International Bengali Book Fair and the Kolkata International Book Fair, serves as evidence of his international recognition. He educates the new generation about different aspects of literature through lectures at conferences and seminars. From Professor Biswas’s student life to every stage of his academic career, his contributions have been intertwined with his international work.
6. Literary Works and Publications:
Professor Biswas is not only an educator and researcher but also a distinguished literary figure and columnist. His literary contributions include over 25 original research-based books, among which notable titles are: “Ranajit Guha and Subaltern Theory in His Centenary,” “Subaltern People in Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay’s Short Stories,” and “Rabindranath and the British Raj.”
His regular column writing is equally commendable. Through more than four thousand columns, he offers profound insights on poetry, narratives, and social and political issues. His writing clearly reflects a sharp intellect coupled with aesthetic sensibility.

7. Research and Social Contributions:
Professor Biswas’s research extends beyond literary works; it encompasses a broad scope in the realm of society and social change.
a) Analysis of Subaltern Theory and Literature:
His PhD thesis, “Subaltern People in Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay’s Short Stories,” presents a significant study on the representation of lower-class individuals in literature and the dynamics of social change. Through this research, he introduced innovative perspectives and analytical approaches that transcend traditional literary trends.
b) UGC Postdoctoral Fellowship:
Professor Biswas completed a UGC Postdoctoral Fellowship, exploring new frontiers of research that introduced him to the international research arena.
c) Social and Humanitarian Work:
As the Secretary of the Ecumenical Christian Trust (ECT), he conducts various research projects on human rights and Christian society and actively participates in formulating policies related to human rights at both national and international levels. His columns and articles offer in-depth analyses of various societal issues, such as poverty, social inequality, and human rights, significantly contributing to the pursuit of social justice.

8. International Contributions and Digital Workflow:
Professor Dr. Milton Biswas’s career extends beyond national borders; his contributions are recognized internationally.
a) International Seminars and Book Fairs:
He has showcased Bengali literature on the international stage by participating as a special guest and speaker in various seminars, including the Kolkata International Book Fair and the New York International Bangla Book Fair. He was a special guest and seminar speaker at the 33rd New York International Bengali Book Fair 2024 held in the United States. In 2025, he served as the editor of the commemorative book for the New York International Bengali Book Fair.
It is worth noting that in 2017, he delivered two speeches in Bengali and English at the South Asia Institute, Heidelberg University, Germany.
It is noteworthy that Milton Biswas was invited as a special speaker and chairperson at two distinct international seminars organized by Diamond Harbor Women’s University and Prabhaman Bangla Charcha.
Last year (2024), on April 3, he took part in the international discussion on ‘Indian Culture: Past and Present’ organized by the Center for Indian Language and Culture Studies at Diamond Harbor Women’s University, as well as another international discussion on Prabhaman Bangla Charcha, jointly organized with Dumdum Motijheel College on Friday, April 5, 2024.
He delivered a speech titled ‘Reactions to Partition in the Literature of Bangladesh: Changing Narratives’ at the international seminar organized jointly by Derozio Memorial College and Swapnarag Family on March 29 of this year (2025).
Dr. Milton Biswas also served as a special guest (speaker) at the International Discussion Series organized by the Bengali Department of Visva-Bharati (Shantiniketan) on March 14 and 15 (2024) to commemorate the bicentenary of Michael Madhusudan Dutt, the centenary of filmmaker Mrinal Sen, and the centenary of novelist Samaresh Bose.
He delivered a speech at another international seminar on March 13(2024) at Sushil Kar College.
Dr. Milton Biswas has participated in numerous seminars and discussion series organized by the anti-colonial and anti-corporate platform ‘Gnanganj’ in Kolkata.
His lectures, discussions, and panel dialogues have inspired new perspectives and ideas among international audiences.
b) Digital and Online Network:
He plays an outstanding role in promoting literature and research through digital media by managing websites such as www.writermiltonbiswas.com, www.blrcbd.com, https://booksbdonline.com, https://www.varsitynews.net, and https://greatinliterature.com. His columns, lectures, and research discussions on YouTube and social media platforms have gained significant popularity, encouraging the younger generation.
c) Special Political and Social Columns:
His columns on various societal and political issues, such as arrests without evidence or national policy matters, are compelling and clear. For instance, regarding the recent arrests of several university teachers, he wrote in a column, “These arrests without evidence must be stopped.” Such writings clearly reflect his political and social viewpoint.
9. Conclusion:
Professor Dr. Milton Biswas’s life, education, literary works, and research efforts stand as a unique example. His personal struggles, dedication, and perseverance have significantly impacted not only academic thought but also society, politics, human rights, and the international arena. The main aspects of his work are:
a) Personal and Academic Success:
From his birth in a Christian family to his academic achievements and advancements in research.
b) Literary and Columnist Contributions:
Over 25 books, 47 articles, and more than 4,000 columns that have introduced new perspectives to society and literature.
c) Research and Social Work:
Subaltern theory; his contributions to UGC fellowships and human rights initiatives have fostered justice in society.
d) International and Digital Contributions:
Enhancing the recognition of Bangladeshi literature and research on a global scale through international seminars, book fairs, and digital platforms.

Overall Assessment:

• Professor Milton Biswas’s life exemplifies a continuous contribution from the early stages of education to the global arena.
• His academic credentials (MPhil and PhD) and the incorporation of subaltern themes in his research have garnered both national and international acclaim.
• His literary works and columns have profoundly influenced society, politics, human rights, and social justice.
• Through digital platforms and international seminars, he has promoted Bengali literature and research on a global scale.
Professor Dr. Milton Biswas’s academic and literary journey is regarded as a pivotal chapter in Bangladesh’s social and cultural advancement. Each segment of his career serves as an inspiration to the new generation while redefining the value of education.