|
Kabir, Ahmadul (1923-2003) entrepreneur, journalist
and politician, was born on 3 February 1923 to a zamindar family of Ghorashal
of palash
upazila of narshingdi
district. After graduating in Economics (Hons) from Dhaka University Ahmadul
Kabir joined the Reserve Bank of India, where he later served as the chief
of the East Pakistan Foreign Exchange Department. In January 1954, Ahmadul
Kabir left the government job and took to business. He was the founder
director of the Eastern Mercantile Bank and the IFIC Bank. Notable among
the industries established by him included the Essential Industries, Vita
Cola, and Bengal Beverage Company.
Alongside business, Ahmadul
Kabir pursued journalism equally successfully. He worked with the
daily sangbad
from its very inception. He served as its editor since 1972, became
the chief editor in 2001 and worked with it until his death.
Ahmadul Kabir was a student leader while studying
at Dhaka University. He was the first elected VP (Vice-President)
of DUCSU (Dhaka University Central Students Union, 1945-1946). In
1942-1943, he was elected sport secretary of the Salimullah Muslim
Hall of Dhaka University.
|
 |
| Ahmadul Kabir |
He was elected member of the East Pakistan Legislative
Assembly in 1965. For his active role in support of the movement for autonomy
of East Pakistan, the government of Pakistan arrested him in 1971 and
he had to close the office of the daily Sangbad. The publication
of the daily was resumed after the liberation of Bangladesh. Under his
leadership the daily Sangbad played a non-communal and progressive
role in the then Pakistan and in Bangladesh after liberation.
As an independent candidate Ahmadul Kabir was elected
member of the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad from Narsingdi constituency for
two terms, first in 1979 and later in 1986. He was a central leader of
National Awami Party (NAP) of the then Pakistan. Ahmadul Kabir was treasurer
of the Krishak Samiti (Peasants' Association) for a long time. Later,
he became the founder president of the Ganotanri Party formed in 1990.
He served as the chairman of Bangladesh section for the Commonwealth Press
Union and in that capacity he took part in many international seminars
including the ones held in Bahama, Hong Kong and Glasgow. He was the member
of the Governing and Trustee Board of the Independent University of Bangladesh
(IUB).
Ahmadul Kabir died on 24 November 2003. [Sambaru Chandra
Mohanta]
|
