To celebrate the life of its founder, Brac University organized a Commemorative event “In Memoriam: Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, KCMG” on 19th of December 2020. The virtual event was held to commemorate the life and works of Sir Fazle on the occasion of his first death anniversary.
Brac University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Vincent Chang delivered the opening speech in the event. In his speech, Professor Chang mentioned Sir Fazle as an inspiration for all of us. Brac University is set to emerge as a proud global institution from Bangladesh to carry the legacy Of Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, he added. Messages from Sir Fazle’s friends, colleagues from across the world was shared in the event. Students and alumni of Brac University also delivered their messages on this occasion.
Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, Chairperson of BRAC moderated a panel discussion joined by Reeta Roy, CEO Mastercard Foundation, Dr. Richard Cash, Senior Lecturer, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Prof. Syed Manzoorul Islam, Visiting Faculty, Brac University and Dr. Samia Huq, Dean, General Education, Brac University. It was highlighted throughout the discussion that, Sir Fazle strongly believed that education has to be inclusive, creative and geared towards meeting life’s challenges. Sir Fazle’s love for arts and profound belief in the humanistic approaches in education and his passion for holistic and comprehensive education was highly appreciated by the discussants.
The distinguished speaker of the event, Professor Rehman Sobhan shared his stories and experiences with Sir Fazle Hasan Abed. Professor Sobhan highlighted how Sir Fazle dedicated his life to combat poverty and empowering women. He also noted that Sir Fazle’s innovative ideas and works transformed lives of millions across the globe. He never sought wealth and publicity for his personal benefit, rather he chose to invest all of his enormous skills for the deprived people, said Professor Sobhan.
Tamara Hasan Abed, Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Brac University shared Sir Fazle’s views on how education should be. She noted that Sir Fazle always had an enormous passion for education and for him, education was a tool to pave the way for inclusion, tolerance and equality. She also pointed out that Sir Fazle’s aim was to establish Brac University as an institution to build conscious, empathetic and capable leaders who will contribute to the development of Bangladesh and beyond.
Brac University students and alumni performed two of Sir Fazle Hasan Abed’s favorite Tagore songs to pay tribute to his profound love for music, art and culture. The event also included a video on Sir Fazle Hasan Abed’s life and legacy.