The official launch of "Ashar Joy," a biographical work on the life and achievements of Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, founder of Brac, the world's largest non-governmental organization, took place in the city yesterday.
The unveiling took place at a publication ceremony held at the Brac Centre, Mohakhali, on the fourth death anniversary of Sir Fazle Hasan Abed.
On the occasion, eminent economist Prof Rehman Sobhan, Brac Bangladesh Governing Body Chairperson Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed's wife Lady Syeda Sarwat Abed, Managing Director of Brac Enterprises, Tamara Hasan Abed, and Executive Director of Brac International, Shameran Abed, officially introduced the book.
Moutushi Kabir, senior director of People, Culture and Communications at Brac, moderated the session.
Brac Executive Director Asif Saleh was present at the program.
While discussing various aspects of Sir Fazle Hasan Abed's extensive work, creative development thoughts, and innovative models for poverty and inequality eradication, the speakers read out selected chapters from the book.
Professor Rehman Sobhan, sharing his thoughts, stated: "Abed left this world with a sense of satisfaction. Few people can say they have lived a fulfilling life. Not only in Bangladesh, he has also improved the quality of life of millions of people worldwide. So, I think he left this world a complete man, and there can be no greater reward than that."
Brac Executive Director Asif Saleh reflected on the influence of Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, saying: "Those of us working at Brac, have not only embraced Sir Fazle Hasan Abed as a role model but have genuinely endeavoured to learn from his work philosophy and thoughts, reflecting them in our daily lives. We always try to impart these values to the new generation."
Shameran Abed, Executive Director of Brac International, said: "In the past few years, we have faced significant challenges. In 2019, we lost our founder, and in 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic began. Currently, conflicts are spreading worldwide. Despite these adversities, Brac remains steadfast in pursuing its objectives. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath, our operations have not only endured but expanded, reaching different parts of the world. It is safe to assert that we are precisely on the path that Sir Abed envisioned for Brac."
Young employees of Brac shared their thoughts on the organisation's development philosophy and its founder, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed.
Zafar Ahmed Rashed, CEO of Batighar, the publishing company of “Ashar Joy”, also expressed his sentiments at the launch.
The original book, titled “Hope Over Fate: Fazle Hasan Abed and the Science of Ending Global Poverty”, was written in English by Scott Macmillan. Alvi Ahmed translated the book into Bengali.
The book sheds light on many aspects of Sir Fazle Hasan Abed's life, portraying him as a selfless man dedicated to the welfare of people, away from the limelight, driven by a firm belief in human potential and a life of struggle.
Scott MacMillan, the author of the book, who had a long association with Brac founder Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, currently serves as Director of Learning and Innovation for Brac USA.