Prof Muzaffer laid to rest

People from all walks of life pay last tributes to noted economist and leading civil society member Prof Muzaffer Ahmad at Dhanmondi Shahi Edgah ground in the capital yesterday. Inset- Prof Muzaffer AhmadPhoto: STAR

Prof Muzaffer Ahmad was an unwavering and fearless advocate for peace and civic rights, said eminent personalities yesterday, lamenting his demise.
The noted economist and civil society member breathed his last on Tuesday night at the age of 76. He was laid to eternal rest beside his mother at Azimpur Graveyard yesterday afternoon.
His first namaz-e-janaza was held at Dhanmondi Eidgah Mosque after Zohr prayers and the second at Dhaka University, his long-time workplace.
Earlier in the morning, his body was taken from Birdem Hospital to his Shankar residence in the capital where his relatives, friends, well-wishers, and people from all walks of life paid their last tribute.
His qulkhani will be held tomorrow after Asr prayers at Taqwa Mosque near Dhanmondi Lake.
He was a founder member and chairman of Transparency International Bangladesh trustee board.
Born in Kolkata in 1936, Muzaffer completed his matriculation from Noakhali Zilla School in 1950, intermediate from Dhaka College in 1952, honours in economics in 1955 and master's in the same subject in 1956 from Dhaka University.
He began his career at Govt Haraganga College, Munshiganj, as economics lecturer after completing his master's. Before proceeding to the University of Chicago for a PhD, he joined the economics department at Dhaka University.
Prof Muzaffer emerged as a fearless and outspoken spokesperson of the people, said Serajul Islam Choudhury, professor emeritus at Dhaka University.
"He was a role model," Prof Choudhury said, "We have few role models and we have lost one, and the loss has made a big void."
He had an amazing commitment to anything he was involved with, he said, adding that Muzaffer was unwavering when it came to patriotism and he was different from others.
Prof Choudhury and Prof Muzaffer spent their childhood together at Azimpur colony.
Eminent jurist and former foreign minister Dr Kamal Hossain, who was a colleague of Muzaffer at Dhaka University, said Muzaffer was a voice for the people without political allegiance.
"He pursued a non-violent movement for the people even in his ailing condition and a fearless and uncompromising Ahmad had never stepped back despite life risks," Kamal said.
As a frontline economist of the country, Muzaffer Ahmad contributed significantly to imparting knowledge of economics, said Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, an eminent economist.
His contribution to making the Institute of Business Administration an institution of international standard is unforgettable, Kholiquzzaman said.
Prof Muzaffer fought for poverty alleviation, good governance and civic rights, he added.
Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, in a condolence message, said Muzaffer's enormous contribution to establishing a society free of corruption will be remembered with deep respect.
Justice Habibur Rahman, former chief advisor to caretaker government, termed Ahmad a great soul, who made big contributions in different fields of society.
Among others, Information Minister Abul Kalam Azad, Prof Rehman Sobhan, Prof Anisuzzaman, former caretaker government adviser M Hafizuddin Khan, Anti-Corruption Commission Chairman Ghulam Rahman, Prof Jamilur Reza Chowdhury and Prof Nazrul Islam, attended the namaz-e-janaza.
PRESIDENT, PM SHOCKED
President Zillur Rahman in a condolence message expressed his deep sorrow at the demise of Prof Muzaffer.
Muzaffer was a dedicated teacher and his unique contribution to education, research and social development will remain memorable, said the president.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her message expressed her deep shock and prayed for his departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.
Speaker Abdul Hamid in his condolence message said Muzaffer was an extraordinary and brilliant teacher and a distinguished leader of human rights movement.
Finance Minister AMA Muhith and Bangladesh Bank Governor Atiur Rahman also expressed their deep shocks.
"Personally, I lost a guardian," said the BB governor.
ORGANISATIONS CONDOLE
Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of TIB, expressing deep shock in a condolence message said Muzaffer was a visionary of the movement against corruption in Bangladesh.
The anti-graft movement lost a courageous guardian and a pioneer, who will remain a source of inspiration, Iftekharuzzaman said.
Abdul Matin, general secretary of environmentalist group Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon, in a condolence message said Prof Muzaffer's relentless struggle for environment conservation, good governance and human rights will remain as ideals for future generations.
"We lost a guardian," he said.