Today marks the first death anniversary of A. A. M. S. Arefin Siddique, the 27th vice-chancellor of University of Dhaka, whose transformative leadership and dedication to education left an indelible mark on Bangladesh’s academic landscape.
In his memory, Dr Md. Anwarul Islam, CEO of WildTeam and Former Professor of the Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, reflects on Siddique’s visionary approach, his commitment to nurturing generations of scholars, and the enduring legacy of integrity, innovation and inspiration he instilled in the university and beyond.
I was then the Director of the Biotechnology Research Centre of Dhaka University. One afternoon, a board of members’ meeting was scheduled in the vice-chancellor’s meeting room. Everyone was waiting. I went to the vice-chancellor, Professor Arefin Siddique, to ensure everyone’s presence.
As soon as he got up from his chair, a young student seeking admission entered and said that he had something to say. The student said to the calm vice-chancellor: “My father is very poor and lives in a village. I want to study at Dhaka University.”
Prof Siddique replied, “Yes, apply and take the admission test. If you pass, you will certainly be admitted.”
When the student asked, “What if I don’t pass?” Prof Siddique replied, “Then there is nothing to be done.”
The student again said, “Sir, in any case, please admit me.” Hearing this, there was no sign of annoyance in the vice-chancellor’s eyes, nor did he ignore or disdain the student.
Only after explaining the matter and politely dismissing him did he come to preside over the meeting.
It is worth noting that during his tenure as vice-chancellor, no one had to seek permission to enter his room.
“Stay good” were the last two sentences the vice-chancellor would often say. He used to end his discussions with these words: “Stay good” (valo theko or valo thakben). This was no exception.
After his death, a former student of his department said on a television channel, “Mass communication and journalism are not only taught in the classroom; even when Arefin Siddique Sir was simply standing, the language of mass communication could be learned from his physical expressions.” As his colleague, I witnessed this as well.
It is often said that the people of southern Bangladesh are more hospitable. But Professor Arefin Siddique from Narsingdi proved that hospitality knows no regional boundaries. After his tenure as vice-chancellor is over, he did not lack assistants, yet whenever I visited his house, he would personally bring snacks on a tray and serve it himself. He last entertained me on 30 December 2024.
My zoology teacher and former Dean, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Pro Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University, Professor Dr Md. Shahadat Ali, lost his wife on 18 December 2024. Professor Siddique, my teacher Professor Gulshan Ara Latifa and I attended the funeral on 20 December.
On 29 December, Arefin Sir called and said, “Shahadat Shaheb must be very upset; let’s visit him.” The next day I went to his house in Dhanmondi for that reason.
I had taken off my shoes and was sitting in the drawing room in my socks. He asked why I had taken off my shoes. He brought a pair of sandals himself and, despite my objections, insisted that I wear those. Then he brought snacks with his own hands — I had to finish it all.
After the death of our respected Bhabi, Shahadat Sir was deeply broken. Towards the end of the conversation with Arefin Sir, he smiled and said, “Arefin Shaheb, today, after a long time, it feels like we are sitting at the Dhaka University Club, having tea and chatting.”
On our way back to the car, we spoke a lot. He highly praised the present vice-chancellor of Dhaka University, Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan. As far as I remember, he said: “When I was vice-chancellor, Professor Niaz was the chairman of his department. He always seemed like a positive person.”
Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan also showed the highest respect for him and the university after Arefin Sir’s death.
The nation witnessed the deep respect the vice-chancellor had for his colleagues. He proved that there is no shortage of values in the Dhaka University family — values that Arefin Sir expressed in almost all his speeches.
There was a time when the words “Arefin Siddique and Dhaka University” became almost synonymous.
I have never seen this selfless, ungreedy man upset. Once I heard that he might become the chairman of the University Grants Commission. Eventually, he was not given the position. Many years later, I asked him about it. He replied with a smile: “The head of the government has to consider many things while running the country. In that sense, the right decision was made.”
The vice-chancellor is the guardian of all teachers, students, officers and employees of Dhaka University. Professor Arefin Siddique spent many sleepless nights performing his duties.
I was then the chairman of the Zoology Department when our first-year student Afia Jahan Chaity died on 18 May 2017 after being admitted to a private hospital. When I informed the vice-chancellor, he immediately said the university was ready to do everything for the student.
Later, the university authorities filed a case against the doctors concerned. Once case was filed, doctors from all over Bangladesh got united and went on a movement and formed a human chain in the capital’s Shahbag. My closest relatives, who were doctors, also became strangers to me instantly. The university proctor told me to request the vice-chancellor to withdraw the case.
When pressure mounted to withdraw the case, the vice-chancellor said firmly: “Give my student back and I will withdraw the case.”
Eventually, after compensation was provided to the family, the case was withdrawn.
Sometimes discussions arose about banning outsiders from entering the campus during holidays. One day I asked his opinion. He said, “Dhaka University is for everyone. If people cannot come here, where will they go? Children and young people will come, see the university and dream.” He often said that the feeling of adapting to us is decreasing day by day.
Just as he thought about society, he also cared deeply about nature. In 2012, on behalf of WildTeam, we organised a rally from Khulna City to Khulna University to raise awareness about the tigers and the Sundarbans conservation. Professor Arefin Siddique joined us to inaugurate the programme: Sundarban Mayer Moton (Motherly Sundarbans).