Ekushey Padak winner Polan Sarkar, affectionately called Alor Ferrywala, a torch bearer, was best known as a kind soul who distributed books for free among people, died on Friday 1st march 2019, but left a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.

The 98-year-old had been suffering from old-age complications. He passed away surrounded by his loved ones at his home of Bausha village in Bagha upazila of Rajshahi. Born in August 1, 1921, Polan Sarkar's real name is Harez Uddin, He was born in Bagatipara, Natore.

Financial troubles of his family could not hamper his passion for reading and learning. He loved books. As a boy, Polan borrowed books from wherever he could, and voraciously read them.

He established a school in his village in 1965 after receiving some inheritance from his grandfather. In 1990, he decided a yearly award for students of the school who would top the merit list. The prize was, of course. books. Other students expressed thoir desire to read as well. He gave them the condition that the students must return the books to him upon finishing, so he could lend the books to other students as well. Eventually, local adults started borrowing books from his collection as well.

Polan Sarkar started a social movoment of distributing books free of charge. When he was diagnosed with diabetes in 1992, he decided he would distribute books during his daily walks. He would go around on his own two feet, sharing his love for books.

He had been admired in Rajshahi for a long time, but gained nationwide recognition after being featured in Bangladesh Television's popular show Ittadi in December 29, 2006.

He won the Ekushey Padak in 2011, Bangladesh's second-highest civilian award, for his contribution to society.