Enam Ul Haque and my only child, Shahrin Anwar, were both born on the same day, August 25. But I first learned from Dr. Zakiur Rahman that the date and even the time of birth can be shifted forward or backward. When the time drew near for my eldest grandson Tanzif Raihan’s birth, Dr. Rahman asked my daughter, “Tell me, on which date and at what time would you like your child to be born?” I had never before seen a doctor with such a sense of humour. Although I had been fortunate enough to enjoy the wit of his elder brother, nuclear scientist Dr. Rezaur Rahman, with whom I studied in the same department. And their brother Matiur Rahman, the editor of Prothom Alo, is truly unparalleled.
Recalling Dr. Zakiur Rahman’s words, the members of the Bangladesh Bird Club decided to bring forward Inam Bhai’s 80th birthday by two days. They will celebrate it today (August 23, 2025) at the Bishwa Sahitya Kendra, Dhaka. I am fortunate to have celebrated the birthdays of two 'Salim Alis' in my life. The first was in 1982 at Borivali National Park in Bombay, India, on my teacher Dr. Salim Ali’s 86th birthday. The second is that of Bangladesh’s very own “Salim Ali,” Enam Ul Haque.
On November 12, 1982, we took Dr. Salim Ali very early in the morning to Sanjay Gandhi National Park (formerly Borivli National Park), near Bomabay, India, for bird watching. His close friend, Dilnawaz Variava, brought along a small cake. Dr. Ali’s vitality was still so strong at the time that we placed only 20 candles on the cake. When he was invited to cut it, Salim Ali turned serious and said, “Dilnawaz, add five more candles, otherwise no one will believe it.” I hope the organizers are mentally prepared for how Bangladesh's Salim Ali, Enam Ul Haque, might express his feelings today!
To honor Enam Ul Haque on his 80th birthday, a commemorative publication has been initiated. The book is titled Nishorgo-Manob Enam Ul Haque. Eighty years is indeed a significant milestone in one’s life. Many have written about Inam Bhai’s long life and experiences, and his philosophy of life will also be discussed. But if you ask the man at the center of this tribute, would it matter much to him? Probably not, because he has never wished to live as someone “extraordinary.” This is where I find Salim Ali within Enam Ul Haque. The urge to honor him lies with us alone because in paying tribute to him, we ourselves are satisfied. I feel, “Whatever we give him is really a gift he has already given us.”
Everyone will speak of what he has given and what we have received. Today in Bangladesh, countless bird lovers, nature lovers, Everest lovers, travelers, art enthusiasts, and patriots have been encouraged by Enam Bhai.
And what have I gained, personally? I have found a teacher beyond the classroom, a true friend, and inspiration to live a life free of greed, pride, and ego.
Rejecting the chance to become a “one-man institution,” Enam Bhai instead built institutions together with everyone. Not one, but many. Thanks to him, bird conservation in this country gained an institutional form through the annual Bird Fair.
Together with WildTeam, he has also promised to start a “Tiger Fair” in the Sundarbans soon—a promise he gave to WildTeam founder Enayetullah Khan and myself.
Yet in private conversations, I have felt that he sometimes worries deeply about whom these initiatives will be left to in the future. His only pillar of support, Mazeda bhabi, came into his life like a steadfast North Star, and then departed.
There has been only one person in this world who felt “jealous” of me— Majeda bhabi. She used to think that Inam Bhai perhaps loved me more than he loved her. Majeda bhabi, “history repeats itself.”
Recently, even my wife has started saying that I should go stay at Enam Bhai’s house for a few days—that only then would I “get better.” May the Almighty grant you Jannah, dear MaJeda bhabi. And Enam Bhai, God knows how much we need you. That is why we pray that you may never grow old.
Dr Md. Anwarul Islam is the CEO of WildTeam, and former Professor of Zoology,
University of Dhaka