On the 3rd death anniversary of Professor Muzaffer Ahmad, a memorial meeting and commemorative speech was organized at the auditorium of Bishwo Sahitto Kendro, Banglamotor, Dhaka on Saturday, May 23, 2015. The program was organized by Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA). The program was presided over by Advocate Sultana Kamal while noted writer, intellectual and vice-president of BAPA Syed Abul Maksud read the memoir.
Khondaker Ibrahim Khaled and Prof. Muzaffer Ahmad’s wife Rawshan Jhan, BAPA General Secretary Dr. Md. Abdul Matin, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh Dr. Iftekharuzzaman spoke in the program. In their speech, they recalled many memories with Prof. Ahmad. One minute silence was observed in tribute to late Prof. Muzaffer Ahmad at the beginning of the ceremony. BAPA joint secretary Architect Iqbal Habib was moderating the program.
Syed Abul Maksud said in his speech that he was an outstanding person. 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, fought for environment protection, worked for the 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 work 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. Prof. Muzaffer Ahmad is one of those who worked for the promotion of higher education and developing a quality education system in the country.
Advocate Sultana Kamal said that the society will advance if we have honest, determined and democratic-minded people like Prof. Muzaffer Ahmad. People will remember Prof.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. 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 show direction to 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.
Prof. Raushan Jahan said, “I have seen 45 years Prof. Ahmad closely by being his life partner. I had never seen him having greed for any praise, position or medal.” Throughout life, there had strong desire to do something for the betterment of the country and society. He was a true patriot.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said he has zero tolerance against corruption. In my career, he was one of my greatest mentors. He never learned us to compromise against injustice – corruption. His motivation and enthusiasm contributed to our work. Therefore, we have to move ahead in the future remembering ideology of such a great person.
Khondkar Ibrahim Khaled said that he was an icon in both family and social life. We will hold his memory to fulfill the need of the society.
Dr. Md. Abdul Matin said that Professor Muzaffer Ahmad should not be remembered in a particular day, rather his ideology and ethics should be practiced in the society at every moment. Only then many injustices of society can be removed, and people will be alert and aware to protect the environment. He proposed to form “Professor Muzaffer Ahmad Smriti Sangsad ” for this, where his longtime friends, friends, and organizations can be involved.
In the program, a biography on Prof. Muzzaffer Ahmad, named ‘Socheton Nagorik’ was unveiled. The book was written by Bidhan Chandra Pal. At the closing, architect Salma A Shafi sang a favorite Tagore song in memory of Professor Muzaffer Ahmad.