The numerous contributions of Kazi Shahid Ahmed in the development of the media and culture of Bangladesh cannot be forgotten, said Prof Syed Modasser Ali, former health and family welfare and social welfare adviser to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a memorial held for the renowned personality and pioneer of modern journalism in Bangladesh Kazi Shahid Ahmed.
“I will remember Kazi Shahid Ahmed for as long as I am alive. I learned how to write an article from him. As long as Bangladesh exists, the contribution of Kazi Shahid Ahmed cannot be forgotten. Because he is associated with several contributions to this country,” he added.
Paying their profound tribute, relatives, well-wishers, and civil society members recalled on Friday the significance of the late founder of Gemcon Group, Kazi Shahid Ahmed.
A memorial was held at Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Auditorium at the National Museum in Dhaka on Friday.
In attendance were his widow, Ameenah Ahmed, a renowned Rabindra Sangeet singer, his sons, and numerous dignitaries closely associated with him, who shared diverse experiences and memories related to Kazi Shahid Ahmed at the event.
Prof Syed Modasser Ali, former health and family welfare and social welfare adviser to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Dr Kamal Chowdhury, recipient of the Gemcon Literature Award, Kazi Shahid Ahmed's other son, Kazi Nabil Ahmed, member of parliament from Jessore-3 (Sadar) constituency, Kazi Anis Ahmed, director of Gemcon Group, renowned journalist ZI Mamun, retired lieutenant general Jahurul Alam, a student of Kazi Shahid Ahmed, Imdadul Haque Milon, Professor Syed Manzoorul Islam, Zafar Sobhan, editor of the Dhaka Tribune, Prof Imran Rahman, vice chancellor of the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, Syed Nasim Manzur, managing director of Apex, and Anis Alamgir, a senior journalist from Ajker Kagoj, were also present at the memorial.
They shared their insights and thoughts involving Kazi Shahid during the event.
Dr Kamal Chowdhury, recipient of the Gemcon Literature Award said all colorful lives are remembered.
“Kazi Shahid Ahmed's life was memorable and will be remembered by future generations. Everything may be forgotten but one’s art of living does not get lost, dreams are not lost. If there is something extraordinary in the offering, it will not be lost. So, Kazi Shahid Ahmed’s art of living can never be erased,” he added.
Kazi Shahid Ahmed’s son Kazi Nabil Ahmed, member of parliament from Jessore-3 (Sadar) constituency said: “Those who worked with him at home and abroad did not forget him. He was an unforgettable character and personality. The work that we do should be for the welfare of people.
“As his child, I will say, our father is no more. But he will live on through his work. We will complete his unfinished works together,” Kazi Nabil Ahmed added.
Kazi Shahid Ahmed was synonymous with multi-dimensional qualities for his philosophy and art-like life, said Kazi Shahid Ahmed’s son Kazi Anis Ahmed, the director of Gemcon Group.
“He inspired us to read books, newspapers and write articles, as he was fond of talking to his family members at home. He also practiced creatively with people from different fields,” Kazi Anis Ahmed, the co-founder, and publisher of Dhaka Tribune and Bangla Tribune said.
He also shared his personal memory about Kazi Shahid Ahmed at the memorial.
He said: “When I was abroad, he used to regularly send letters and native newspapers to me, and when email was available, he inspired me by sending regular emails.
“However, sometimes we did argue with each other on various issues, including book reviews. I still miss him, I still feel and hear his words. We were lucky to have him as a father,” said Kazi Anis Ahmed.
Meanwhile, renowned journalist ZI Mamun said all his life, Kazi Shahid Ahmed created surprises with new initiatives. “Newspapers, businesses or educational institutions, he has explored innovation in all sectors. His newspaper, 'Ajker Kagoj' has played a leading role in implementing the spirit of freedom and the Liberation War.
“Kazi Shahid Ahmed’s works and dedication inspired young journalists like me,” he added.
Jahurul Alam, retired lieutenant general, narrated his experience of working with Kazi Shahid Ahmed.
He said: “I always identify myself as a student of Kazi Shahid. During the Liberation War, I was an HSC student, returning from the war to participate in the exam. I went for the army exam when I started studying at Buet. No one thought that Bangladesh would be able to start an academy. But he (Kazi Shahid Ahmed) thought and contributed to it.”
Fiction writer Imdadul Haque Milon said: “When I wrote the novel ‘Noor Jahan’ Kazi Shahid Ahmed printed it consistently in his paper. The way I got involved with him was, he sent me whatever he wrote. He changed the art of newspapers. He wrote about the difficult days in his autobiography freely, without hiding anything. Some people conquer death through their deeds. Kazi Shahid is one of them. He will be in our visions.”
Professor Syed Manzoorul Islam said everyone has to leave. “People who could not leave a mark in their lives are remembered only by their own people, those who were able to leave a mark are remembered by everyone. But Kazi Shahid Ahmed is memorable to everyone. He was a responsible family man. I have seen few journalists as brave and fearless as him.”
He further said that he played a fearless role in the anti-dictatorship movement through newspapers. “Then he revived the spirit of the liberation war through ‘Ajker Kagoj’.”
Zafar Sobhan, editor of Dhaka Tribune said the modernity of newspapers published in Bangladesh started with the newspaper “Ajker Kagoj” published under the editorship of Kazi Shahid Ahmed.
“His legacy will continue to inspire generations of Bangladeshis to not only strive for greatness but do so across sectors while simultaneously upholding the values of integrity and compassion,” he added.
Prof Imran Rahman, vice chancellor of the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh said Kazi Shahid Ahmed’s legacy will live on for decades to decades.
“He was fond of education. Before establishing ULAB, he took the advice of academics and implemented it, the benefits of which are now being reaped by the students,” he added.
Syed Nasim Manzur, managing director of Apex said Kazi Shahid Ahmed was energetic and had the potential to explore new things. He was multidisciplinary, and his business career started in 1979 with the establishment of Gemcon Group.
“He was the publisher and editor of ‘Khoborer Kagoj’ and ‘Ajker Kagoj’. He is the founder of the first organic tea garden in Bangladesh. His non-profit ventures include the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh and the Kazi Shahd Foundation. He was well-known in the literary sector as well. He has made a place in everyone's mind through his creative work,” he added.
Anis Alamgir, a senior journalist from “Ajker Kagoj”, said: “He (Kazi Shahid Ahmed) independently published the writings of others as well as himself.”
Later, Sadi Mohammad, a renowned Rabindra Sangeet singer and composer, paid his tribute to Kazi Shahid Ahmed by performing some of the late pioneer's favorite songs.
Kazi Shahid Ahmed, a distinguished entrepreneur, sports organizer, writer, and publisher of “Dainik Ajker Kagoj,” breathed his last at 7:15 pm on August 28. He was laid to rest at Banani graveyard the next day. Born in 1940 in Jessore, his legacy is etched in his multifaceted contributions to various fields.
As the founder and chairman of the Gemcon Group, Kazi Shahid Ahmed left an indelible mark on the business landscape. His innovative spirit was not limited to entrepreneurship; he also pioneered the establishment of Bangladesh's first-ever organic tea estate. Committed to education and philanthropy, he founded ULAB and the Kazi Shahid Foundation.
Throughout his life, Kazi Shahid Ahmed was synonymous with innovation. He continually surprised the nation with new initiatives, spanning newspapers, businesses, and educational institutions. A graduate of engineering and a former officer in the Bangladesh Army, he played a crucial role in founding the Bangladesh Military Academy. His entrepreneurial journey began in 1979 with the establishment of the Gemcon Group. He was also the driving spirit behind such esteemed dailies as “Khoborer Kagoj” and “Ajker Kagoj.”
Kazi Shahid Ahmed's literary contributions were equally significant. His inaugural book was published in 1995, followed by "Amar Lekha" and "Ghore Agun Legechhe" in the same year. Another of his books, “Bhoirob,” was published in 2013. Later in 2014, his autobiography “Jiboner Shilalipi” was published. In 2017, another novel, “Daate Kata Pencil,” was published. Kazi Shahid Ahmed said he had been carrying the story in his heart for 72 years.
Kazi Shahid Ahmed's legacy is a testament to his far-reaching vision, determination, and innovation. His impact reverberates through the realms of business, education, journalism, and more. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
