Encourage youths to work on Muzaffer's principles
Speakers tell citizens' condolence meeting
(From left) Prof Rehman Sobhan, Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman and Prof Rowshan Jahan observe a one-minute silence to pay tribute to Prof Muzaffer Ahmad at a citizens' condolence meeting at Teacher-Student Centre of Dhaka University yesterday.Photo: STAR
Speakers at a citizens' condolence meeting yesterday called for encouraging the young generation to work on the principles of Prof Muzaffer Ahmad and complete his unfinished works to pay proper tribute to the noted economist. A multifaceted talent and courageous person, Prof Muzaffer is a role model for all as he relentlessly worked for the welfare of the country through his multifarious engagement in transparency, good governance and environmental issues, they said. Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa), Transparency International Bangladesh, Sujan, United Nations Association of Bangladesh (UNAB), Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) and Institute of Business Administration Alumni Association (IBAAA) jointly organised the meeting at Teacher-Student Centre of Dhaka University. The noted economist, leading civil society member and outspoken environmentalist passed away Tuesday night at the age of 76. “If only one person is remembered for the reason the Buriganga river is still alive, free and fair elections are still being held in the country and the anti-corruption spirit still exists, I would mention Prof Muzaffer's name,” said Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman. Prof Muzaffer was an economist who was never carried away by the charm of Chicago's economics school and continuously tried to make people remember their obligations towards society, said the former chief adviser to a caretaker government while chairing the meeting. “The way he (Prof Muzaffer) inspired us will always keep him alive through his ideals and principles, especially among the young generation,” he added. CPD Chairman Prof Rehman Sobhan said Prof Muzaffer never sought publicity but his integrity, non-partisan stand, wisdom and commonsense made him an iconic figure whose opinions were sought on a variety of subjects of public importance. “He (Prof Muzaffer) did what he did because he felt it his moral duty to challenge wrongs and confront injustice, not because he presumed he could end such wrongs by his actions. “He did what he could and this sense of duty sustained him down to his last day on earth,” he added. TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said Prof Muzaffer was not merely a person but a multifaceted institution. “He was an honest, courageous and straight talker who never feared to say the right thing,” he said, adding that Prof Muzaffer will remain an inspiration to all. “A proper tribute would be paid if we are able to complete his unfinished works,” he said. Professor Emeritus of Dhaka University Dr Anisuzzaman said Prof Muzaffer believed in three “Fs” -- faith, fatherhood and family. Apart from his family, he served the nation without any self-interest but inspired by his own ideals, he said. “He was a rare man,” said noted educationist Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed, adding that the ever-smiling Prof Muzaffer never left the stance of truth, conscience and patriotism. Noted jurist Dr Kamal Hossain said Prof Muzaffer spoke and did the right thing, at the right time, without any fear. “If we can encourage our young generation to take him as a role model, we will be able to rid the country of its problems,” he added. ASK Executive Director Sultana Kamal said, “If we want to pay tribute to him in realilty, we need to move his ideals and goals forward.” Former adviser to a caretaker government, Rasheda K Choudhury, urged the Dhaka University authorities to set up a chair at IBA in recognition of Prof Muzaffer's contributions. Bapa President ASM Shahjahan said Prof Muzaffer was the first to envision the Environment Olympiad, scheduled to be held in the country on June 30. Educationist Prof Jamilur Reza Choudhury, Khandaker Ibrahim Khaled, Prof Muzaffer's wife Prof Rowshan Jahan, DU Vice Chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique, Sujan Secretary Badiul Alam Majumder, Syed Md Shahed of UNAB and Nazmul Hasan of IBAAA also spoke at the programme.
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