Dhaka: Speakers at a memorial meeting today recalled the illustrated life and works of Sabih Uddin Ahmed, adviser to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson, mentioning him as a true patriot. The memorial meeting was organized by Sabih Uddin’s family at BRAC Center’s conference hall in the capital’s Mahakhali.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir paid glowing tributes to Sabih Uddin Ahmed, describing him as a strong-hearted person who never broke down due to anything and used to fight till the end. Sabih Uddin Ahmed, also a former secretary and ambassador, will always be remembered by the people with love and respect, he said.
Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed remarked that Sabih Uddin was a true nationalist who never compromised on issues relating to the interests of the country and the people. He noted that persons like Sabih Uddin are very rare now.
Mirza Fakhrul shared memories of their time in student politics, stating, “When we includin
g Sabih joined student politics, we had a goal to change the society. It had not been possible at that period; Sabih joined government service . . . though he joined government service, we never saw him get derailed from the target.” He emphasized that regardless of the position Sabih held, he always worked for the wellbeing of the people.
The BNP secretary general also mentioned the repression endured by Sabih Uddin during the Awami League regime, highlighting the massive attacks he faced, BNP leader Riaz Rahman’s bullet injury, and the torching of Sabih Uddin’s vehicle. He expressed the pain of Sabih’s departure and reflected on how happy Sabih would have been to see a fascism-free Bangladesh.
Economist Professor Mahbub Ullah praised Sabih Uddin for working for the welfare of the country and the masses until his death, describing him as a selfless person who never compromised on patriotism.
Sabih Uddin passed away on October 31, 2022, at United Hospital in the capital’s Gulshan at the age of 76. He serve
d as Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK in 2001 during the tenure of Begum Khaleda Zia. After his retirement from government service, Sabih Uddin joined BNP’s politics actively and was a member of BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council until his death.
Internationally acclaimed journalist Shafik Rehman, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Vice-Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo, Jatiya Party Senior Co-Chairman Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud, The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Sabih Uddin Ahmed’s younger brother Salah Uddin Ahmed, diplomats, bankers, economists, and different professionals also recalled memories of Sabih Uddin Ahmed. Sabih Uddin’s wife Rawnak Ahmed, son Saiyab Ahmed, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul’s wife Rahat Ara Begum, and relatives of Sabih Uddin were present.