They paved way for nation’s prosperity
Eminent citizens yesterday commemorated the three torchbearers of the country who have passed away during the coronavirus pandemic, saying their immense contributions paved the way for the nation's enlightenment and prosperity.
National Prof Anisuzzaman, National Prof Jamilur Reza Choudhury and founding principal of Sunbeams School Niloufer Manzur died within a span of less than a month -- between April 28 and May 26.
Their departures have created an irreplaceable void, especially in the country's education sector, the eminent citizens said during a commemorative programme arranged virtually.
Citizen's Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh arranged the event via a video conference to avoid gathering amid the current situation.
Both Prof Anisuzzaman and Prof Jamilur were members of the platform's advisory group while Niloufer Manzur was a well-wisher of it.
Prof Anisuzzaman himself was an institution in his own right, said eminent economist and Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Chairman Prof Rehman Sobhan, who chaired the event.
"Anis [Prof Anisuzzaman] is one of the very few people I know, coming out of our own educational system who actually was a totally dedicated teacher. For him, it was the primary mission of his life to be a teacher and a scholar," he said.
Prof Jamilur contributed in buildingBUET (Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology) a facility of international standard. He then went on to build two more institutions -- Brac University and Asia Pacific University, said Prof Rehman, also an advisory group member of citizen's platform.
"Beyond that he was a person with great creativity whose name is associated with the development and construction of Bangladesh's infrastructure," he added.
Recalling Niloufer Manzur's contribution, Prof Rehman said to build a school of international standard in Bangladesh, where institution building is a challenging task, was a very significant contribution.
The trio left significant contributions in the country's education sector not only as teachers but also by establishing or supporting different educational institutions, said eminent rights activist Hameeda Hossain.
Sharing his memories of Prof Anisuzzaman, eminent artist Mostafa Monwar said his patriotism and affection for the culture was unparalleled.
Recalling his fond memories, Bengal Group of Industries Chairman Abul Khair Litu said although he was not a direct student of Prof Anisuzzaman, he learnt many lessons in from the scholar which helped him to be a good human being.
Besides his scholarly mind, Prof Anisuzzaman was a great connoisseur of art, he said.
Prof Jamilur led almost all the advisory committees of the country's mega projects, said noted economist Prof Wahiduddin Mahmud.
Prof Jamilur's contribution in Bangladesh's development is undeniable, said Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar.
Manusher Jonno Foundation Executive Director Shaheen Anam said it was heart-aching that well-wishers, including her, could not pay their due tribute and respect to the departed souls in a regular way because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Campaign for Popular Education Executive Director Rasheda K Choudhury said the legacy of the three departed souls needed to be spread among the future generation.
Bereaved family members of the three departed eminent personalities also joined the commemorative event and shared their memories with the three great figures.
Ananda Zaman, son of Prof Anisuzzaman, said he and two of his siblings hardly used to have their father's affection as he mostly remained busy working for the greater good of the society.
"He believed in the collective wellbeing of people," said Ananda.
CPD Distinguished Fellow and convener of the Citizen's Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya moderated the programme.
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