On the occasion of 4th death anniversary of Prof. Muzaffer Ahmad, a memorial meeting and commemorative speech was held at the auditorium of the Bishwo Sahitto Kendro, Dhaka, on 27 May 2016. The program was organized by Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA). The program was presided by Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed, president of BAPA. Eminent Economist Khandaker Ibrahim Khaled gave the memorial speech on the occasion of death anniversary of Prof. Muzaffer Ahmad.
Professor Jamilur Reza Chowdhury and Prof Roushan Jahan, wife of Prof. Ahmad spoke on the occasion. At the beginning of the program Professor Muzaffer Ahmad’s favorite Tagor Song, ‘Jibon Jekhane Sukaye Jay’ was played by artist Rama Baroohi. BAPA joint secretary Architect Iqbal Habib moderated the program.
In the memoir speech, Khondker Ibrahim Khaled said that he was a multi-talented personality with amicable personalities. He used to dream to build a society where people will enjoy their equal rights and no discrimination will exist. To fulfill his dream he worked devotedly from his student life. In the long run of his life, Prof. Ahmad fought for democracy, environment protection, worked for making a corruption free society and fought for ensuring good governance. Without having patriotic feelings, none can fight relentlessly on such issues. We never saw any greed for money in him; rather he ignored many lucrative offer and luxurious life he relentlessly worked for the country and its people. He was always been with the common people and being with them he made them aware about their rights and inspired them to fight for them. He had made a continuous effort to develop the standard of education. Professor Muzaffer Ahmad is one of those who worked for the promotion of higher education and developing the quality of higher education. He was an icon in both family and social life. We will hold his memory to fulfill the need of the society.
Professor Jamilur Reza Chowdhury said that the society will advance if we have honest, determined and democratic-minded people like Prof. Muzaffer Ahmad. People will remember Professor Muzaffer Ahmad forever, for his contribution and relentless efforts to ensure people rights, establishing a fair society, and making a lifetime effort with the dream to make a happy and prosperous Bangladesh.
Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed said that Prof. Ahmad is not only an economist or teacher but also an activist who relentlessly fight for protecting the environment, ensuring good governance, human rights and corruption-free society. His struggle would also inspire the youth and guide the future generation.
I believe, an honest and patriotic man like him will be the source of inspiration for all. He was a lively, energetic, and inspirational source. Through his works, he will live in our heart forever.
Prof Roushan Jahan said, “I have seen 45 years of Prof. Ahmad closely by being his life partner. I had seen him having no greed for any praise, position or medal.” Throughout life, there had a strong desire to do something for the betterment of the country and society. He was a true patriot.
In the occasion, a 16-member committee was formed keeping Prof Nazrul Islam as Convener with a view to forming Prof. Muzaffer Ahmad Smriti Sangsad.
Among others, Mr. Ibrahim Khaled, Dr. Badiul Alam Majumder, Dr. Roushan Jahan, Jamilur Reza Chowdhury, Sultana Kamal, Wahiduddin Mahmud, Hamida Hossain, Dr. Abdul Matin, Iqbal Habib, Bidhan Chandra Pal, Professor Anisuzzaman, Rasheda K Chowdhury, Professor Rehman Sobhan, Dr. Tofail Ahmed and Justice Kazi Ebadul Haque were in the committee. Later this committee will decide the constitution and action plan of the memorial parliament in a meeting.
In the last part of the commemoration program, a special 8-minute documentary was shown which includes glimpse of long work life of Professor Muzaffer Ahmad. Apart from this, BAPA’s Joint Secretary Bidhan Chandra Pal recited a poem written on Professor Muzaffer Ahmad. Kamal Hossain, Sharmin Murshid, Sharifa Khatun, Farida Akhter, Nurul Islam were present among others with the eminent figures of country. Representatives of public, private, social and educational institutions, family members of Prof. Ahmad, media person, students and teachers, and people from different strata took part in the program spontaneously.