A program was organized on the memoir of Prof. Muzaffer Ahmad on his 2nd death anniversary at auditorium hall of Social Science Faculty, Dhaka University on Saturday 24 May. The program was organized with the joint collaboration of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik( Sujon) and Transparency International Bangladesh ( TIB). BAPA vice-president Kazi Saleh Ahmed presided over the program while Joint Secretary, BAPA, Architect Iqbal Habib moderated the program. In the occasion, eminent city planner and Vice- President, BAPA Prof. Nazrul Islam presented the memorial speech. Among others, Prof. Sarwar Jahan, Architect Mobasser Hossain, Prof Bodiul Alam Mojumder, Justice Kazi Ebadul Hoque, Dr. Md Abdl Motin and Sohela Naznin, daughter of Prof. Muzaffer Ahmad spoke in the program.
The cover of the book “Poribesh o Suchetona’ was unveiled also in the program. The book contains unpublished work and speech of Prof. Muzaffer Ahmad. In the program his bosom friends Prof Rehman Sobhan and Rounak Jahan was present with other guests.
Prof. Nazrul Islam Said, Prof. Muzaffer Ahmad was an eminent economist of the country, honorable teacher, researcher, and a personality who relentlessly fought to restore good governance and human rights of the people. He is also a pioneer leader of Environment Protection Movement of the Country. Overall, he was an amicable, kind and extra-ordinary personality who had great contribution in society. I was Vice- President then when he was presiding the Environment Protection Movement, I had the privilege to closely assisted him in his several initiatives. He made these remarks in his memoir ” Urbanization, Environment and Good Governance in Development: Bangladesh Issue”.
He added, “The mega city Dhaka has lack of good governance. Corruption is seen every sector including traffic system to road and infrastructure construction, river protection even park and playground management, what are happening due to having lack of good governance in the system”. In the conclusion of his memoir he said, ” since a decade our relentless efforts and initiatives have been going on to initiate and get an approval of National Urbanization Guideline, hopefully we will be expecting to receive the results of our relentless efforts in next two or three months. Approval of Guideline is not a revolutionary incident but still having a proper guideline can be a direction to positive urbanization.
The proposed guideline includes urban environment protection and development along with others important issues. In the National Urbanization Guideline the role of citizens to be recognized along with the BAPA, even it will also include the formation of an information hub on the environment and scientific research.
Meanwhile, in different stages of education, curricula on environment is taken under syllabus. In higher education inclusion of environment related research has started. Though it is said that the awareness on environment is not that much satisfactory. BAPA has taken the responsibility to raise awareness on the issue. Honorable Prime Minister has directed to free three rivers adjacent to Dhaka City from grabbers. We believe Buiganga Bachao Movement led by Prof. Muzaffer Ahmad made contribution to take this initiative. We hope, Honorable Prime Minister’s direction will come into effect soon. It will not only bring well-being for the people of Bangladesh but also dream of Prof. Muzaffer Ahmad will come true.
Sohela Nazneen said, Prof. Muzaffer Ahmad tries to spread his value among the society and countries what he practiced in his family. He had lack of tendency to possess wealth but he was responsible to the country.
Prof. Kazi Saleh Ahmed said, Prof. Muzaffer Ahmad remained active always in his life time against irregularities, injustices and initiatives taken against environmental protection. We do miss his presence in the current situation of the country.