Bangladesh Bird Club on Saturday organised a special programme titled ‘Celebrating an Indomitable Life’ to mark the 80th birth anniversary of eminent ornithologist, nature enthusiast, and mountaineer Enam Ul Haque at the Esfendiar Zahid Auditorium of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in Dhaka.

The commemorative event highlighted Haque’s pioneering contributions to bird-watching and mountaineering in Bangladesh. As the founder of both the Bangladesh Bird Club and the Bangladesh Mountaineering and Trekking Club, Haque has inspired generations of young people to explore, appreciate, and conserve nature.

Born in Kushtia on August 15, 1945, Enam Ul Haque is widely recognised for his lifelong dedication as a teacher, researcher, activist, and mentor. His philosophy underscores that the Earth belongs not only to humans but also to all living beings, promoting respect, coexistence, and compassion.

On the occasion, Cosmos Books published a commemorative volume, ‘Nisorgo-Manob Enam Ul Haque’, featuring 41 memoir-style essays celebrating Haque’s life and contributions. Edited by Golam Shafique along with a panel of esteemed scholars including Bird Club President Dr Niaz Abdur Rahman, former Bird Club President and Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) Chairman Jalal Ahmed, and Dhaka University Department of International Relations Associate Professor Md Obaidul Haque, the book features cover design by ARK Reepon (Artcon) and cover art by the late eminent artist Kalidas Karmakar.

Speakers at the discussion included Bishwo Shahitto Kendro Founder-Chairman Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed; WildTeam Founder, Cosmos Foundation Chairman, and UNB and Dhaka Courier Editor Emeritus Enayetullah Khan; WildTeam CEO and former Dhaka University Professor of Zoology Prof Md Anwarul Islam; editor Golam Shafique; and Liberation War Museum Trustee and distinguished researcher Mofidul Hoque, among others.

Reminiscing remarks were delivered by Mount Everest conquerors Nishat Mazumder, M A Muhit, and Ikramul Hasan Shakil; Haque’s sister Rebeka Haque; Jahangirnagar University Professor of Zoology Dr Monirul Hasan Khan; writer Mofiz Imam Milon; Bird Club Secretary Simanto Dipu; and others, who all shared how Haque positively influenced their lives.

Welcoming the audience, retired Dhaka University Professor of Zoology Prof Dr Md Anwarul Islam said, “My teacher beyond the classroom was Enam Ul Haque, from whom I learned to be selfless and fearless. Today, Enam Bhai has nurtured countless bird-lovers, nature enthusiasts, Everest admirers, travelers, art lovers, and patriots in Bangladesh. Thanks to him, ‘Bird Fairs’ have become institutionalised, and soon, with WildTeam, he will initiate a ‘Tiger Fair’ in the Sundarbans, a promise he made to Enayetullah Khan and me.”

Speaking about Enam Al Haque, Enayetullah Khan said, “My first meeting with Enam Ul Haque was in Singapore at a restaurant with artist Kalidas Karmakar; and since then, our bond has grown and got even stronger. In cricket terms, Enam Bhai is now ‘80 not out,’ and, Insha Allah, he will complete a century in age.”

On the book’s publication, Enayetullah Khan added, “The book was initially planned as a birthday surprise for Enam Bhai by Jalal Ahmed. With his advice and the tremendous joint efforts of Golam Shafique, our diligent designer ARK Reepon, Gallery Cosmos Artistic Director Sourav Chowdhury, and Cosmos Books, the book has been successfully published as a tribute to our beloved Enam Bhai.”

Bishwo Shahitto Kendro Founder-Chairman Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed shared an adventurous experience in the Sundarbans with Haque, saying, “From him, one learns the virtue of steadfastness in pursuing goals.”

Jalal Ahmed reminisced, “Enam Ul Haque was my mentor. During our bird-counting trip to Sonadia, I witnessed his remarkable stamina at 76, standing in mudflats all day with youthful energy—and later, he inspired me to trek to Everest Base Camp at 63.”

Two-time Everest conqueror M A Muhit said, “Meeting Enam Ul Haque is a greater achievement in my life than conquering Everest twice.” Similar sentiments were expressed by the country’s first-ever female Everest summiteer Nishat Mazumder and recently returned Everest summiteer Ikramul Shakil.

Expressing gratitude to everyone, Enam Ul Haque said, “I have had a beautiful life and always managed to remain happy regardless of circumstances. I am deeply touched to see so many people gathered here today for me.”

The programme also featured a musical performance by Kanak Aditya and Joler Gaan, who performed three songs, including their popular track ‘Emon Jodi Hoto’.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Bangladesh Bird Club President Dr Niaz Abdur Rahman.