Volume II | Issue VI
February 14, 2018
Spring XVIII
Remembering Zia sir Selima S Kabir Editor The country lost another brilliant scholar with the passing of Professor Dr Abu Abdullah Ziauddin Ahmad on January 18th, 2018. A deep sense of grief permeated throughout campus upon the news, perhaps most acutely felt in the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Department where he served as the Chairperson for 15 years, recently retired. Professor Ziauddin, commonly known as Zia sir among colleagues and students alike, was renowned for his contributions to the field of physics, with his research spanning from theoretical nuclear physics, neutron physics, lattice dynamics and crystal field level splitting. With more than 50 years of research and teaching experience in his repertoire, he was undoubtedly one of the most qualified faculty members present in the university. Notable amongst the numerous institutions he was a part of are Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, UK; Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA; Institut Laue-Langevin, France; Atomic Energy Centre, Dhaka; Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET); Dhaka University; and of course, BRAC University. However, Zia Sir will be remembered for much more than his accomplishments. He will be remembered for his warm smile as he welcomed in his students, who often took advantage of his office’s open-door policy. He will be remembered for his sharp eye and sincerity. He will be remembered as someone who addressed everyone he encountered with that same poise and dignity that became his trademark. He will be remembered for his
geniality, his support, and his obvious love for every corner of the department he chaired. “Zia sir was always punctual, generally a little early, but never late. He was always prepared to assist his students, particularly those from nonphysics or non-science backgrounds,” Aneeka Nawar, a graduate of Microbiology, remembers. “His attention to detail when explaining something was extraordinary, and his lecture
technique engaged the entire class. Perhaps his character can be best captured in his advice to me to, ‘always preach what you practice’.” In the memorial held in his honour at the
Indoor Auditorium on 25th of January, ViceChancellor Professor Syed Saad Andaleeb remembered Professor Ziauddin for his positive attitude and contributions to the BRAC Onnesha nanosatellite project. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Treasurer and Acting Registrar, chairs and faculty of all departments and numerous students were present to share their memories and pay their last respects. Professor Firdous Azim, Chairperson of the Department of English and Humanities, shared that it was Professor Ziauddin who initiated the Ethics and Culture course taught at the Residential Semester. Zia sir’s daughter Shenin Ziauddin, a former senior lecturer at BRACU, was also in attendance and thanked all for celebrating her father and his life. Associate Professor Mahboob Hossain (MNS) shared a touching tribute during the memorial, and so BRACU Express reached out to him for a quote. We feel that it echoes the thoughts of many in the university. “It is difficult to imagine how Ziauddin sir managed such a big department so smoothly, while ensuring that he gave enough time to the students as well as anyone else who came to him. It definitely stemmed from the fact that he treated everyone with the same respect, regardless of their job title. He was a very open-minded man, and this meant that we were able to debate or even disagree with him without fear. “When Ziauddin sir went on holiday, the responsibility of the department would sometimes rest on me. I would be nervous, and would constantly hope that sir returned soon. He somehow knew exactly how I was feeling and would tell me, Don’t worry, I am always with you.” ■
Resurgence shines again! Subah Shaheen Reporter
biodegradable sanitary napkins using simple products such as powder, jute and water hyacinth. Speaking about the difficulty of the competition she said, “It was a rather rigorous process since the short listing went through multiple presentations in front of judges like Naimuzzaman Mukta, Rubana Huq, Munir Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman. It was a nerve-wracking experience.”
Resurgence won the prestigious Access to Information (a2i) competition on January 16th at BTV Studio. Ivana is co-founder and CFO of Resurgence, the winning team of the HULT Prize BRACU in 2017, and was representing her team in this competition. The prize cheque was presented by Mustafa Jabbar, Minister of Since its inception, Resurgence— Telecommunication to Ivana. consisting of Ivana Murtaza Asfara, Mashiyat This competition was organized by a special Rahman, Naziba Naila Wafa and Rafayet program of the Prime Minister’s Office called Khan—has been going all out to make a Access to Information. This innovation lab, CFO Ivana M Asfara receives the cheque on behalf of Resurgence. difference. The competition acted as a supported by USAID and UNDP, was launched platform for them to develop their idea further and will now help them in 2009 and has been designed to discover innovative strategies which can be used to solve Bangladesh’s social problems. After several grueling expand operations. “The exposure was very enlightening,” Ivana Asfara rounds, Ivana Asfara made it to the prestigious list of top 5 entrepreneurs said of the competition which won them an impressive Tk 5,00,000 as and innovators, with Resurgence’s winning idea to produce low cost seed money for their project. ■