A Humble Tribute to Wisdom: Asiatic Society of Bangladesh Honors 47 Octogenarian Members

The Asiatic Society of Bangladesh (ASB) organized a special felicitation program titled “Honoring ASB Octogenarians” to celebrate the lifetime dedication, wisdom, and scholarly contributions of its members aged eighty years and above. The event took place at the Society's auditorium in Dhaka, serving as a historic gathering of some of the nation’s finest minds, researchers, and cultural pioneers who have shaped the intellectual landscape of the country over many decades.

The program was chaired by Professor Dr. Harun-or-Rashid, President of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, and anchored by Professor Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, General Secretary of the Society. Delivering the welcome address, the General Secretary described the ceremony as a humble tribute to the remarkable lives, achievements, and enduring association of these senior members with the Society. He expressed profound gratitude for their invaluable contributions and sought their continued guidance and inspiration for the future progress of the institution.

Preserving an Intellectual Legacy Since 1952

In his presidential address, Professor Dr. Harun-or-Rashid highlighted the historical significance of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh as a premier scholarly organization dedicated to fundamental research and quality publications. Founded in 1952, the Society continues the rich intellectual traditions of the Asiatic Society in Calcutta, which was established in 1784 by Sir William Jones with the core objective of advancing the "Study of Man and Nature of Asia." He noted that the institution has been continuously enriched by distinguished intellectuals who have played pioneering roles in promoting its scholarly pursuits.

During the formal ceremony, forty-seven honored octogenarian members were presented with floral bouquets, traditional wraps (shawls), and commemorative crests as a mark of respect and appreciation.

The Full Roll of Honor

The forty-seven honored octogenarian members announced and felicitated by the Society include:

Professor Emeritus A. K. M. Yaqub Ali, Prof. Dr. Nurur Rahman Khan, Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed, Professor Aminul Islam, Professor Amirul Islam Chowdhury, Mr. Asif Ali, Dr. Ayesha Begum, Prof. Dr. Habiba Khatun, Dr. Hameeda Hossain, Professor Jahanara Huq Choudhury, Dr. Kamal Hossain, Professor Dr. Kazi Nurul Islam, Prof. Khondoker Bazlul Hoque, Professor Dr. M. Delwar Hossain, Dr. M. Enamul Huq, Mr. M. Fazlur Rahman, Prof. M. Mufakharul Islam, Dr. M. Nazrul Islam, Ms. Majeda Sabir, Prof. Dr. Md. Abu Baker Siddique, Mohammad Arshad Ali, Professor Md. Sohrab Ali, Professor Mesbah-us-Saleheen, Mr. Md. Rezwanul Haque, Prof. Abu Bakar Siddiquee, Mr. Muhammad Masum Ali Khan Majlis, Nobel Laureate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Mr. Muhammed Sohul Hussain, Professor Nazrul Islam, Professor Niaz Zaman, Professor Perween Hasan, Dr. Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, and Professor Quazi Quamruzzaman.

The list of honored luminaries further includes Mrs. Rashida Zaman, Prof. Razia Khanam, Professor Rehman Sobhan, Prof. Serajul Islam Choudhury, Professor Sharif Uddin Ahmed, Dr. Sharifa Khatun, Professor Sikandar Dara Shamsuddin, Mr. Siraj Uddin Ahmed, Professor Sirajul Islam, Prof. Syed Md. Humayun Kabir, Professor Wakil Ahmed, Prof. Z. N. Tahmida Begum, Professor Dr. Zia Uddin Ahmed, and Prof. (Dr.) Md. Amjad Hossain.

Reflections of a Lifetime Association

The auditorium filled with warmth as the honored members shared emotional reflections regarding their long-standing association with the institution. Many recalled their early research days, shared cherished moments, and expressed deep appreciation for the Society's role in fostering an environment of rigorous academic inquiry and cultural preservation over the years.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by a celebratory group photograph session on the Society's premises. The historic event was attended by ASB Fellows, Council Members, distinguished researchers, senior government officials, and cultural well-wishers, marking a memorable chapter in the Society's ongoing mission to honor its living institutional roots.