Azizul Jalil's autobiographical book launched

Prof Zillur Rahman Siddiqui addresses a book review session of 'Turbulence and Tranquillity' by Azizul Jalil at Dhaka Club in the city yesterday. Sitting from left are Sayed Kamaluddin, Justice Reefat Ahmad, Justice Mustafa Kamal, Azizul Jalil, Prof Anisuzzaman and Badruddin Umar. PHOTO: STAR

The book is the author's personal accounts of the contemporary socio-political events. It consists of three parts- accounts of his life and activities, his encounters with important historical figures, and finally accounts of his friends.

University Press Limited (UPL) organised the book review session at Dhaka Club.

Speaking as chief guest Justice Mustafa Kamal said, "The author honestly described what he had experienced in his life. Nothing was added or distorted. This sort of objectivity is very difficult to maintain."

Justice Kamal, who was also classmate of the author from school to university level, appreciated his restless spirit saying, "He is a meritorious person and never passed a day in idleness."

Presiding over the session Prof Zillur Rahman Siddiqui said Azizul Jalil's book is an example of objectivity in thought and presentation. "I think absence of any partisan attitude was expressed in the book, as he was a civil servant true to his calling."

The book also speaks of his happy life and that he could gather joy in any situation, he said, adding that he had deep attraction for beauty and elegance.

Eminent writer Badruddin Umar complemented the author for the quality of scholarship in the book.

Prof Dr Anisuzzaman said the book provided valuable insights about the life and times of the last days of undivided India, the early days of Pakistan and the birth of Bangladesh. Accounts of the first Prime Minister of Bangladesh Tajuddin Ahmed and Indian leader Subhas Bose were particularly interesting.

The author's description of Hindu-Muslim relationship in the pre-partition years of India and how it changed after the communal riot in 1946 reflects the evolution of the relationship between the two religions in the forties, he noted.

Sayed Kamaluddin, acting editor of The Weekly Holiday, said there are many issues the author raised in the book that requires further elaborations.

Author Azizul Jalil, a retired civil servant and later a World Bank official, in his reaction thanked the speakers and the UPL for their inspiration and appreciation.

Justice Reefat Ahmad of Supreme Court, Syed Badrul Ahsan, executive editor of The Dhaka Courier, Mohiuddin Ahmed, managing director of the UPL, and Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star, also spoke.