His life, contributions should be studied more

Tajuddin Ahmad, Bangladesh's founding prime minister, was an exceptionally honest, patriotic and brilliant politician.

He materialised Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's dream by leading the country during the Liberation War on behalf of the father of the nation.

Researches with state patronisation should be commissioned to explore more about Tajuddin's thoughts, works and political contribution.

Academicians made these remarks during a memorial lecture on Tajuddin Ahmad held yesterday at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban, Dhaka University.

Dhaka University and Tajuddin Ahmad Memorial Trust Fund organised the programme titled, "Tajuddin Ahmad Memorial Lecture 2022."

Novelist Suhan Rizwan delivered the memorial lecture on different aspects of Tajuddin's life.

He said, "Why historians and novelists in Bangladesh become cautious while writing about Tajuddin? Why is it always difficult to talk about Tajuddin? This is because Tajuddin's introvert nature; his silence about certain aspects of our history."

"He never talked about his phenomenal 266 days experience as the prime minister of the Mujibnagar government. Historians, novelists like us are still trying explore his immense works and pioneering thoughts on national reforms," Rizwan added.

Sharmin Ahmad, Tajuddin Ahmad's daughter and founder of Tajuddin Ahmad Memorial Trust fund, said, "To truly appreciate what Tajuddin Ahmad has contributed for this nation, we need to study his life and works objectively, keeping aside political disputes and disunity. His integrity, farsightedness and selfless service for the country should be guiding examples for the country's future leaders."

Simeen Hussain Rimi, Tajuddin Ahmad's daughter and member of the parliament, said, "Tajuddin Ahmad materialised Bangabandhu's dream by leading the Liberation War from the front. While Bangabandhu was the leader and father of the Bengali nation, Tajuddin was his ardent follower."

Addressing the event as the chief guest, Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman, vice chancellor of Dhaka University, said, "There are various aspects in the life of this great leader. He was the country's founding prime minister, he was a great organiser of the Liberation War, he was a shrewd diplomat, he was a brilliant finance minister and so on."

"However, it is very true that still we have a lot to learn about his life and thoughts. We should conduct more research on his political and personal life," he added.

Prof Dr ASM Maksud Kamal, pro-vice chancellor (academic), Prof Muhammad Samad, pro-vice chancellor (admin), Saifuddin Ahmed, chairman, department of peace and conflict studies, Mahjabin Ahmad Mimi, daughter of Tajuddin Ahmad, were present, among others.

A student of peace and conflict studies at Dhaka University Muhammad Aftab received the Tajuddin Ahmad Memorial Trust fund gold medal for her outstanding academic results, while five other DU students received prizes for winning the essay competition and one student received scholarship from the fund.