Guiding generations
Whenever crises arise, the entire country looks up to them because they have always shown the right way. They are the lighthouse and torchbearers of the nation.
This is how speakers at a programme described the role of three newly appointed national professors -- Rafiqul Islam, Anisuzzaman and Jamilur Reza Choudhury. The three were accorded a reception at Bangla Academy yesterday.
Bangiya Sahitya Sangskriti Sanghsad organised the programme, where speakers highlighted that the life and works of the three eminent personalities will inspire future generations to build a prosperous Bangladesh.
On June 19, the government appointed the three as national professors for five years.
Finance Minister AMA Muhith said he has been involved with different committees including the selection committee for national professors, and sent names of the three to the prime minister.
No other names came up and the prime minister gave consent without thinking about any other options, he said, adding, “This is a pleasure for all of us. They are so well known and respected that no one raised questions about them.”
Professor Emeritus of Dhaka University Anisuzzaman said his appointment as national professor has brought honour for him, and also increased his responsibilities.
He said, “Whatever I have given to the nation, I received more than that. I am grateful to the nation.”
Professor Emeritus Rafiqul Islam said he has been in the teaching profession for the last 60 years and when he came to know about his appointment as national professor, he first remembered his teachers.
“Because, I am a teacher too and want to pass my life as a teacher,” he said, adding he still delivers class lectures five days in week.
Prof Jamilur Reza Choudhury, vice chancellor of the University of Asia Pacific, said he had got an opportunity to go and work abroad but he did not.
“Today I think I took the right decision. I could work for my country. I have received education almost free of cost. I could repay some of the debt,” he added.
Bangla Academy Director General Prof Shamsuzzaman Khan, former chief information commissioner and poet Azizur Rahman Aziz, Sammilita Sangskritik Jote President Golam Kuddus, and DU Pro-Vice Chancellor Muhammad Samad, also spoke at the programme with noted author Selina Hossain in the chair.
Rabindra University Vice Chancellor Prof Biswajit Ghose, poets Nurul Huda and Sheikh Rabiul Hoque read out citations of the national professors.
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