Tribute

Remembering Syed Muazzem Ali: A diplomat and a freedom fighter

Muazzem Ali had joined the prestigious Pakistan Foreign Service only a couple of years before, and Washington DC was his first diplomatic assignment. As a career foreign service official he had a bright and brilliant future awaiting him had he chosen not to leave the job and risk his career for a fledgling government that was fighting for independence from exile.
Memories of Syed Muazzem Ali

At the first death anniversary of Syed Muazzem Ali, former Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, on December 30, many of his colleagues remember him as the highly accomplished and charismatic diplomat who helped to turn International Mother Language Day into a reality, and who tirelessly advanced Bangladeshi priorities on the world stage. They remember his warmth, humour and charm.
Where water lilies will always bloom

The sky was unusually blue for an early morning in late November, the day Aly Zaker passed away. Everything else that happened after feels like a sort of blur, except I distinctly remember thinking that he would have appreciated the beauty of that cold, clear morning in Dhaka.
Ziauddin Tariq Ali: A man who lived and gave as fully as his heart would allow

Ziauddin Tariq Ali was known to others as a freedom fighter, a cultural activist and a founder trustee of the Liberation War Museum.
Taking Fakruddin Biryani beyond Bangladesh: Chef Md Rafique no more

Chef Haji Mohammed Rafique of the Fakruddin brand has passed away yesterday (September 27) at the United Hospital, after suffering from infection in the lungs. He left behind the legacy of a culinary empire that his father, the legendary chef Md Fakruddin Munshi, had established.
Freedom fighter Tariq Ali: A man of great heart

With the sad demise of Ziauddin Tariq Ali, a colourful personality of the generation of Muktijoddha, a life-long crusader of secular liberal nationalist values of the liberation struggle has left the arena of history.
Remembering two key 1971 commanders we just lost

At a time when Bangladesh is planning the historic celebration of the 50th anniversary of independence next year, the demises, in quick succession, of two great commanders of the Liberation War, are too shocking.
Pranab Mukherjee: A Mentor for Mass Leaders

A major disappointment in the public life of India’s first Bengali President Pranab Mukherjee, who died on August 31, 2020, was that he could never contest and win direct elections to parliament, which would have helped him shed the tag his critics gave him: “a politician without a mass base and following.”
In memory of Sayeeda Khanam: The girl with a Rolleicord

Imagine women entering the field of photography, historically dominated by men, during a time when they were even more strictly confined to certain socially constructed roles.
Remembering Murtaja Baseer: The master of ‘abstract realism’

At 75, Murtaja Baseer is as agile and hyperactive as a child, with a mind as sharp and clear. In his cosy apartment in Manipuripara, Baseer eagerly shows his oil paintings stacked against the walls and explains the various phases that he has gone through as an artist and the mentors who have helped him along the way.
Bir Protik Major Taher Ahmed: A Liberation War hero

Major Taher Ahmed BP (Rtd), of the first Bangladesh War Course (BWC), passed away on July 4, 2020, at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Dhaka around 9 pm from a heart attack. The story of his life and legacy is intimately connected to the Liberation War of Bangladesh and as his daughter, I wanted to chronicle it here.
The man who healed with a smile

Every Friday, on the 13th-floor of Square Hospital, the resident medical officers, registrars and nurses waited for a call from the medical director, Dr Mirza Nazimuddin.
Remembering the rebel voice of Kamal Lohani

In the early sixties, cultural activists and student bodies with different political affiliations, led by their university faculty, played a crucial role in demanding democracy and holding the Pakistani authoritarian regime to account.
Adieu comrade Kamal Lohani

As we are living in the age of digitization, activism to bring about a change often remains confined in the virtual world but back in the 1950s, activism meant raising your voice and your hand in the air -- rendering powerful slogans and songs against injustice and unjust establishment. Kamal Lohani was a perfect example of that take-to-the-streets activism.
A funeral story that deserves to be shared

On June 6, thanks to modern technology, my siblings, nephews, nieces and their families in various countries in Asia, Europe and North America, virtually participated in every aspect of my Boro Bhai’s last journey. My Bangladeshi brothers beautifully followed all the rituals in the most meticulous manner with love, respect, dignity and compassion.
Niloufer Manzur: A visionary and guiding light

After days of mourning and sadness, I wanted to take the time to recognise the person who for 36 years played a pivotal role in helping me raise my children. Along with her team at Sunbeams, Niloufer Manzur was responsible for helping my children grow and blossom and I will forever be grateful for the impact she had on our lives.
Memories of Mrs Niloufer Manzur

My first encounter with Mrs Niloufer Manzur was in her office, a tiny room on the ground floor of a three-storied building on Rd 27, Dhanmondi, which housed Sunbeams, a school where I was hoping my ten-year-old daughter Tanweena would be enrolled.
Courage, thy name is Devdas

Recently, Mujibor Rahman Devdas passed away. Although the state honoured him with the Ekushey Padak, he had to lead his life in isolation and remained totally unknown to many people.
Memories of Mrs Manzur

While I read the memorials for Niloufer Manzur by her children around the world, I can personally connect with many of the anecdotes, as I am sure can many.
Touching lives near and far

There’s something really special about the community that you built and the type of leader that you were. Since the news of your death surfaced, generations of your students have been pouring their hearts out, each story highlighting special personal connections with you.
The Immortal Mrs. Manzur

Sunbeams will not be Sunbeams without you. The corridors will miss your steady footsteps. The students and faculty will miss your confident leadership. You gave your students a solid foundation in their life. You helped them build character. You opened up new horizons for them.
My teacher, mentor and role model

My heart is filled with sorrow as I bow in respect to you, my teacher, my mentor and my role model.
Good night, sweet prince

The passing of Anisuzzaman has taken from our midst one more close friend and comrade from the generation which participated in the struggle for national liberation and held steadfast to its values.
A Silent Warrior: Tribute to Professor Muzibur Rahman Debdas

In 2007, Professor Muzibur Rahman Debdas returned to the spotlight when Liberation War Museum trustee and researcher Mofidul Hoque made a documentary on him titled "Kan Pete Roi” (The Sound of Silence). The documentary expertly presented the lone and long struggle of Prof Debdas, a Liberation War hero.
In memory of Prof Anisuzzaman, a scholar of Bengals past and present

I arrived in Dhaka, some years ago, as an outsider twice removed. First, I had grown up in Kolkata; second, I was a graduate student in Chicago.
Prof Anisuzzaman: A teacher by definition

In my professional career, I have taught in five universities in North America, have been awarded many national teaching and research awards but I’m yet to learn how Anisuzzaman sir used to control the class with his proverbial thick but calm voice. He’s an example of how one can get students’ attention without raising his/her voice.
Rest in Peace, Dear Aniusuzzaman Sir

It was probably on a day in the second week of March that I last saw and heard professor Anisuzzaman—our Anisuzzaman sir—speak publicly.
Anisuzzaman’s uncompromising, moral leadership

It was a privilege for me to work with professor Anisuzzaman in the drafting of the Constitution. I had the extraordinary good fortune of knowing him for more than 50 years, since our school days in St Gregory’s School, Dhaka. Since then we have travelled side by side towards the independence of the country and in the struggles for democracy.
A warrior scholar and his final prayer

Great names are formed by great events. It’s a truism that applies as much to the leaders and revolutionaries as to the pundits and intellectuals.
A tribute to Dr Jamilur Reza Choudhury

JRC was a true champion for development and his legacy as a renowned scholar, foremost civil engineer and education advocate will live on.