‘Irreparable loss to the nation’

The country was left in a state of mourning after national professor, renowned academician Dr Anisuzzanan passed away at the age of 83 at Dhaka CMH yesterday.

The passing of one of the country's foremost intellectuals and a lighthouse for the nation drew floods of messages of condolences and tributes from all quarters.

A freedom fighter and professor emeritus of Dhaka University Dr Anisuzzaman passed away around 5pm.

One of the most prolific essayists of the country, Prof Anisuzzaman was admitted to Universal Medical College Hospital after he fell seriously ill on April 27. He was shifted to Dhaka CMH on May 9, as his condition was not improving.

President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain, ministers, distinguished personalities, top leaders of different political and socio-economic-cultural organisations, educational institutions and people from different walks of life expressed deep shock and sorrow at the demise of the intellectual giant of our times.

In his condolence message, President Abdul Hamid expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of the eminent educationist and renowned writer.

"Prof Dr Anisuzzaman was a shining star that guided the nation. He played a very significant role in improving the quality of education in Bangladesh. His death is truly an irreparable loss…"

The president prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.

In her condolence message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of the noted educationist.

With profound respect, the premier recalled the outstanding contributions of Prof Anisuzzaman to the field of education and all democratic movements including the 1952 Language Movement, 1969 mass upsurge and 1971 Liberation War.

"We have lost a valiant freedom fighter and a luminary. The nation will forever remember his invaluable contributions," she said. The prime minister prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed profound sympathy to the bereaved family.

Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, opposition leader Raushan Ershad, Anti-Corruption Commission Chairman Iqbal Mahmood, a host of ministers and state ministers including Liberation War Minister AKM Mozammel Haque, Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, Road Transport and Bridges Minister and Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, Law Minister Anisul Huq, Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni, Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, Information Minister Hasan Mahmud, Planning Minister MA Mannan and Expatriate Welfare Minister Imran Ahmad, among others, expressed deep shock at the demise of Prof Anisuzzaman.

Different socio-cultural, professional bodies and educational institutions including University Grants Commission, United Nations Association of Bangladesh, Sammilita Sangskritik Jote, Sector Commanders Forum (Liberation War, 1971), Chhayanaut, Forum for Secular Bangladesh and Trail of War Criminals of 1971, Sammilito Samajik Andolon, Sammilito Sangskritik Jote, Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, Begum Rokeya University (Rangpur), Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik and Krishok Sramik Mukti Andolon also expressed their condolences.

Political parties including Awami League, Jatiya Party, Workers Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Gonoforum, Bangladesh National Awami Party and Bangladesh Chhatra Moitree and distinguished personalities also expressed deep shock at the passing of Dr Anisuzzaman.