Enam Ul Haque turns 80: A life filled with birds, books, and big adventures

''My eyes see everything as beautiful. Everything is new, everything is pure—the sky is blue, the forest is green, the clear moonlight, the soft flowers. Everything is like me. They just laugh, they just sing, they want to laugh and play and die.''

Standing here on August 25, 2025, it feels as if the great poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote these lines for people like Enam Ul Haque. Today, Enam Ul Haque turns 80, stepping into his 81st year. There's no need to introduce him to anyone in the subcontinent; anyone who has met him will agree that he's not just a man—he's an institution.

I was introduced to Enam Ul Haque by my neighbours, the world traveller Tanvir Apu and his brother, Tareq Anu. The thought of travelling with them and Enam Bhai led me to join their 21-day trip to Antarctica in December 2024. Being with Enam Ul Haque, you learn the mantra of being truly human. This isn't just my opinion; it's a truth acknowledged by everyone who has had the privilege of knowing him or reading his work.

Born on 25 August 1945, in the village of Hizlabat, Kushtia, Enam Ul Haque's love for animals began early. Growing up close to nature, he was deeply connected to the wildlife and birds around him. A caged bird in his childhood sparked his lifelong curiosity and love for nature. He excelled academically, receiving Leo Tolstoy's The Prisoner of the Caucasus as a prize for coming in first in school, a book that solidified his love for reading. At just nine years old, he joined the district library, a passion he maintains to this day. His first poem was published in a newspaper during his eighth grade, and in 1959, an essay he wrote on the moon landing was also published. His writing career only deepened from there.

He earned a Bachelor of Science from Rajendra College in Faridpur and a Master's from the Institute of Business Administration at Dhaka University. He also trained in Communication-Electronics Engineering in the United States.

Enam Ul Haque started his career at the Jute Research Institute in 1967. Two years later, he joined the Pakistan Air Force as an Aeronautical Engineer. During the Liberation War, he was held as a prisoner of war in Pakistan and was released in 1973 through a prisoner exchange agreement. He retired from the Air Force as a Wing Commander in 1995. He then worked for BRAC and GQ Industries before retiring completely in 2005. After leaving the Air Force, he dedicated himself to bird research. In 1998, he started writing columns for the daily Janakantha, encouraged by editor Toab Khan. His English column, "Hawke Eye View," became a popular read.

Contributions to bird and nature conservation

Enam Ul Haque's most significant contribution is the establishment of the Bangladesh Bird Club in 1996. This club became a hub for bird enthusiasts and researchers, institutionalising bird watching, research, and conservation in Bangladesh. He also founded the Bangla Mountaineering and Trekking Club in 2003, which  guided four members of his Everest team to successfully summit the peak. He is one of the first Bangladeshis to have traveled to Antarctica and the North Pole, even running a marathon at the North Pole on his 62nd birthday.

He introduced the regular Bird Census to Bangladesh, which provides crucial data on the country's bird population and species diversity, aiding in conservation efforts. Under his leadership, bird censuses are conducted annually in coastal areas and wetlands. He also popularized Bird Ringing, a scientific method for tracking birds' migration patterns, lifespan, and behavior. His research in diverse ecosystems like the Sundarbans and the Chittagong Hill Tracts has provided valuable data for both scientists and policymakers.

Documenting nature and writing

Enam Ul Haque's work in documenting nature is unparalleled. He has photographed countless rare and endangered bird species, creating a living archive of Bangladesh's avifauna. His accessible writing style has captivated readers and fostered a love for birds and nature. His notable books include the essential "Bangladesh Bird Field Guide,""Birds also have a mind?" which explores the emotional aspects of birds, and "Birds of Beautiful Bengal," a tribute to the beauty of the country's birdlife. These books have not only provided scientific information but have also inspired empathy in readers.

Despite never seeking awards, he has been honoured for his contributions to nature conservation. He received the Bangla Academy Award (2023) for his work in science, and the National Environment Medal from the Government of Bangladesh. However, his stature as a human being far exceeds any award; he will live on through his work.

A living legacy

Enam Ul Haque is a true polymath: an ornithologist, writer, photographer, and nature lover. For decades, he has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the need for bird and biodiversity conservation in Bangladesh. His efforts have revolutionised bird research and paved the way for future generations of conservationists. His life and work serve as a powerful example of environmental stewardship.

As we look to the future and wonder who will guide the next generation, we need only look at Enam Ul Haque. Those who know him understand the immense legacy he has created and continues to build, even at 80.

On his birthday this August 25, we pray for his health and a long life, so he can continue to contribute to Bangladesh's natural history and the future of its youth. Enam Ul Haque's name will forever be etched in golden letters in history.

Author Mohsinul Haque is a Senior District and Sessions Judge at a Special Court in Cumilla

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.