BRAC University (BRACU) arranged a memorial meeting on Professor Emeritus Dr Hafiz GA Siddiqi of BRAC Business School (BBS) at its Mohakhali campus auditorium in Dhaka on Tuesday.
The noted academician breathed his last at United Hospital in the capital’s Gulshan on May 22 around 3:30pm on going through a protracted illness. He was 87.
A former director of the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka, Dr Siddiqi had voluntarily retired from North South University (NSU) after serving there for 19 years.
He also served as a vice chancellor of NSU for over a decade, said a media release.
Vice Chancellor Professor Syed Saad Andaleeb, PhD recalled Dr Siddiqi as a soft spoken, smartly attired person always carrying a smile on his face. He was a real gentleman as well as a good scholar, he said.
Professor Dr Akbar Ali Khan of BBS described Dr Siddiqi as a teacher and researcher who was uncompromising when it came to quality of education, alongside a pioneer in the establishment of private universities in Bangladesh.
The economist urged BRACU to arrange an annual seminar in his memory on developing education quality.
Dr Mirza Azizul Islam, a former adviser to a caretaker government and a visiting BBS professor, said, “I was always impressed in his thoughts and politeness. He was a source of inspiration and mentor to many.”
Professor Dr Salehuddin Ahmed of BBS said Dr Siddiqi was a very pious and special man who would be remembered through his students as well as his research works. The former Bangladesh Bank governor suggested writing a biography.
Professor Dr Sayed Ferhat Anwar of the IBA said Dr Siddiqi was a very good human being and people like him are hard to find in today’s world. He expected all to learn from Dr Siddiqi’s life and ideology.
Professor Imran Rahman, dean of the School of Business at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, said Dr Siddiqi was the reason he ended up with a teaching career and that Dr Siddiqi was not only a teacher but also a friend. He prayed for salvation of the departed soul.
