Farewell to an icon of fearless voice

Admirers and fellows paid their last tributes to Dr Akbar Ali Khan as the former top civil servant revered for his independent views on issues ranging from economy to civic rights was laid to rest at the Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals' Graveyard in the capital Friday (9 September).

The freedom fighter and an official of the 1971 Liberation War-time government-in-exile was given a guard of honour by the district administration following his namaz-e-janaza after Friday prayers on the Azad Mosque premises in Gulshan.

Planning Minister MA Mannan, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Gonoshasthaya Kendra Trustee Zafrullah Chowdhury, Cabinet Secretary Khandkar Anwarul Islam and former NBR chairman Badiur Rahman were among those present at the funeral of Dr Akbar Ali Khan, a former caretaker government adviser.

The former cabinet secretary, who was an economist, historian, writer, teacher and rights defender, passed away on Thursday night in a city hospital.

Rich tributes and homage started pouring into social platforms and news media since his death was announced.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of former caretaker government advisor Dr Akbar Ali Khan, reports BSS. In a condolence message, Quader also general secretary of ruling Awami League, prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family members.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Akbar Ali Khan was a fearless, articulate, socially and politically aware intellectual. Bangladesh lost a great man.

"He was fearless and vocal in speaking the truth for people's freedom of speech and civil rights. Even if the truth was unpleasant, he never hesitated to speak it frankly. His thoughts and writings had profound insight into economics, history, literature and society," he added.

Zafrullah Chowdhury said, "A star fell from the sky! The nation lost an outspoken man. He was incomparable and he worked quietly during the War of Independence."

In a condolence message, economist Reza Kibria, convener of Gana Adhikar Parishad, said, "Akbar Ali Khan has always worked for democracy and good governance. He has left an exemplary ideal for the new generation. He was unique in administration, university teaching or any other responsibility. His death has caused irreparable damage to all of us."

Many organisations have also expressed their condolence over his death.

In a condolence message, Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN) has expressed deep condolence at the death of Dr Akbar Ali Khan.

In a written condolence, the Bangladesh Economic Association said they are deeply saddened by the death of the former bureaucrat. The memory of his writings and creative activities of human progress will remain with all of us forever as a symbol of "social responsibility".

The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep grief over the death of Dr Akbar Ali Khan, former member of the Trustee Board of TIB and former advisor to the Caretaker Government and former cabinet secretary.

TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said in a statement sent to the media, "Dr Akbar Ali Khan's death is an irreparable loss to the country. TIB gratefully acknowledges his active and courageous participation, thoughtful and wise guidance in establishing good governance and anti-corruption movement in the country under the initiative of TIB. As an honest and patriotic man, he will be a source of inspiration to us."

"Dr Akbar Ali Khan has actively contributed to the acceleration of the good governance and anti-corruption movement in Bangladesh as a member of TIB's Board of Trustees for two consecutive terms from December 2013 to December 2019.

Earlier on Friday morning, the body of Akbar Ali Khan was taken from Evercare Hospital to his residence in Gulshan, where relatives and dignitaries paid their last respects.

Among others, former secretary Abdul Mueed Chowdhury, former ACC chairman Ghulam Rahman, banker and economic analyst Mamun Rashid, and poet and journalist Sohrab Hasan went to his house.