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A tribute to Imtiaz Sir

13 April 2006, 18:00 PM
OPINION
THE news came as a bolt from the blue. We simply cannot take it for granted that a young, healthy and energetic man of only 33 years left us forever. Just a week ago, I went to the department (of International Relations, Dhaka University) and came across Imtiaz Sir who smiled at me and asked what I was doing now. When he heard that I have joined The Daily Star he appreciated me saying 'Chamatkar!' and then he politely asked to leave as he had a class. I did not know that it would be our last conversation. To my shock his death news appeared in the page of the newspaper where I work.

I was hastily checking last minute proof of the Page Two before it goes to pasting section and suddenly my eyes stuck to a piece of news titled 'DU teacher Imtiaz Ahmed passes away'. I became numb for moments. Shock and grief engulfed me making me distracted. That night I phoned my friends who all expressed the same feeling. I remember how enthusiastically and effectively Imtiaz Sir taught us 'Politics of International and Regional Institutions' at master's level. We all achieved good grade in the examination.

Next day (April 3) I attended his janaza, where a number of his present and former students, colleagues, friends and dignitaries were present. All wore a depressing and gloomy look. His wife Lailufar Yasmin, who is also our teacher, seemed to have turned into a stone in shock. We had no word to console her. Nobody can believe that our dear young teacher is no more, but we have to accept the fait accompli. We pray to Allah for peace and salvation of his departed soul.

Lubain Chowdhury Masum is a sub-editor of The Daily Star.

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