Serajul’s writings reflected his strong desire for democracy: Fakhrul

The writings of late diplomat M Serajul Islam reflected his strong desire for Bangladesh to return to democracy and were marked by sharp and fearless expression of his views, Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said. 

"He had a strong desire to return to democracy, and he expressed that desire fearlessly through his writings. Every one of his writings was extremely sharp," he said at the second annual Bangladesh Empowered Conference at North South University in Dhaka today (8 August).

At the event, a book titled "Reclaiming Bangladesh: Democracy, Governance and Nation Building – Selected Writings of Ambassador M Serajul Islam" was launched.

Recalling his personal relationship with the author, Fakhrul said they studied together at the Dhaka University and lived in the same hall, describing the late diplomat as a "very close friend".

He said Serajul remained firm in his beliefs and expressed them fearlessly, while his patriotism was one of his most defining qualities. "On the question of Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty, he never compromised," Fakhrul said.

Fakhrul also recalled Serajul's role in maintaining relations with foreign missions during a difficult period when several political leaders, including himself, were imprisoned.

He said Serajul stepped forward at the time and took responsibility for maintaining communication with foreign missions and informing them about Bangladesh's situation and its struggle. "He was able to accomplish this enormous task," Fakhrul said.

Salehuddin Ahmed, former finance adviser to the interim government and former governor of Bangladesh Bank; Aziz Al Kaiser, chairman of the Board of Trustees of North South University; and Dilara Choudhury, retired professor of Jahangirnagar University, were among those present at the event. The session was chaired by Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, vice chancellor of North South University.