Citizens’ Memorial at DU Honors Five Legendary Organizers of SHUJAN

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DHAKA — “The ideals of great individuals do not fade with time; instead, they serve as a blueprint to move society forward.” This sentiment echoed through the Muzaffar Ahmad Chowdhury Auditorium at Dhaka University on Saturday afternoon, where a Nagarik Shoksabha (Citizens’ Memorial Meeting) was held to honor five pioneering organizers of Shushashoner Jonno Nagarik (SHUJAN).

The collective memorial honored M. Hafizuddin Khan, former Caretaker Government Advisor and former SHUJAN President; Dr. Tofail Ahmed, renowned local government expert and central executive member; Roshan Jahan, prominent National Committee member and women’s rights activist; Akbar Hossain, freedom fighter and former Rangpur Divisional Coordinator; and Farooq Mahmud Chowdhury, former Sylhet Divisional Coordinator.

Remembering Legacies of Public Service and Reform

The solemn event brought together relatives, colleagues, and prominent intellectuals, beginning with a minute of silence followed by brief readings of the late organizers’ biographies.

                  [ SHUJAN Citizens' Memorial ]
  ┌─────────────────────────────┴─────────────────────────────┐
  ▼                                                           ▼
[ Pillars of Integrity ]                           [ Unfinished Reform Agenda ]
• Call for "honest public servants"                • Urgent demand to implement 
  modeled after M. Hafizuddin Khan                   Dr. Tofail Ahmed's historic
• Emphasizing voluntary activism                     Local Government Reform Report
  modeled after Roshan Jahan                         recommendations

Presiding over the meeting, retired Justice MA Matin, Acting President of SHUJAN, emphasized that the true success of a memorial lies in its ability to inspire future generations.

“If even one young individual feels inspired to become an honest public servant like Hafizuddin Khan, a dedicated researcher like Tofail Ahmed, or a selfless writer and activist like Roshan Jahan, only then does this memorial achieve its purpose.”

— Justice MA Matin, Acting President of SHUJAN

Calls to Carry Forward Unfinished Work

Distinguished political scientist Professor Rounak Jahan paid deep respects to the deceased, noting that among them was her own sister, Roshan Jahan. She pointed out that Roshan Jahan’s ultimate identity was that of a pure activist who voluntarily worked across various organizations without ever accepting financial remuneration.

“The goal here is not merely to mourn, but to internalize the values of those who fought for democracy, women’s empowerment, and good governance,” Professor Rounak stated.

An Immeasurable Value to Society

Professor Robayet Ferdous, a central executive member of SHUJAN, concluded that the contribution of these five individuals transcends the boundaries of ordinary citizenship. By shaping public thought, strengthening local governance, and championing human rights, they became institutional figures whose value to Bangladeshi civil society remains immeasurable.

The memorial also featured speeches from retired World Bank official Nilufar Ahmed, former diplomat Fauzia Nasreen, BARD Director Zakir Ahmed, and SHUJAN Central Coordinator Dilip Kumar Sarkar, all of whom committed to carrying forward the unfinished democratic reforms left behind by the five organizers.