Bir Muktijoddha Md. Imamul Kabir Shanto passed away on May 30, after a long 9-day battle with Covid-19 at Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka. Inna lillahi Wainna Ilaihi Rajeun. Shanto (February 1954 – May 2020) was 66 years old at the time of his death, and was laid to rest in his mother’s bosom at the Banani graveyard after Janaza with State Guard of Honor. He was a heroic freedom fighter and the founding chairman of Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology Trust, Sundarban Courier Service and other business and philanthropic organizations. When the news of his death came, the shadow of mourning descended on the educational, cultural and business circles of the country. He left behind thousands of teachers, students, officials and employees of his institutions, numerous relatives and well-wishers including siblings.
Boundless courage, an exemplary work ethic and compassion for humanity are some of the characteristics of his strong personality and character. Lonely and childless in his private life, he considered around two dozen organizations as his family, with the staff as members of that family. He was always ready with a helping hand to anyone in need. He earned the respect of all, going by the simple names ‘Shanto Bhai’ or ‘Shanto Sir’.
‘Shanto Bhai’ took part in the Liberation War at the age of 17. On the very next dawn following the day the country won its independence in 1971, Shanto’s joy of victory was overshadowed by a tragedy when 11 of his fellow freedom fighter comrades lost their lives in the early morning of 17th December as the boat carrying them sank in the river Buriganga.
He established the ‘Shaheed Muktijoddha Smriti Foundation’ with the aim of preserving the memory of those friends and freedom fighters as well as fulfilling the expectations of countless freedom fighters. He looked after the welfare of the deceased family members by supporting them financially and morally. He also erected a memorial in their memory in Azimpur graveyard where nine of his friends were laid to their eternal rest.
He was a great admirer and supporter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. After the killing of Bangabandhu and his family members, many of Imamul Kabir’s teammates were ready to sacrifice their lives while protesting at Dhaka University. Fearing arrest for protesting the killing of the Father of the Nation, the young Md. Imamul Kabir migrated abroad to settle in Germany. He was inspired by the Germans in seeing how they became a successful Nation even after losing two world wars. Inspired by the German way of life, he returned back home in order to serve Bangladesh. He was also inspired by the biography of Mother Teresa and Che Guevara; but Bangabandhu remained the highest star in his esteem during his life and work.
Md. Imamul Kabir soon realized that money was essential in order to the serve the country. He started Sundarban Courier Service (PVT). Due to his honesty and hard work, his business became well known all over the country and gained the trust of the people. He became a successful businessman, never looking back as he started to sow the seedlings of his dreams, providing employment to many people.
In 2003, he established the Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology in Uttara; one of the most active, creative and cultural higher education institutions in the region. Starting with one building, today it has massively expanded and is about to shift into a new building in their own campus at Uttara. He took a minimal amount of fees so that those students of a non-affluent background could avail better educational opportunities, with many part-time income opportunities under the foundation where students could work to meet their educational expenses along with their studies.
He was a pioneer in creating a job-oriented, design-based cultural and creative university in the whole region, overcoming many obstacles to introduce new subjects like Fashion Design and Apparel Manufacturing Management and Technology, Graphic design and Multimedia, Interior Architecture, Fine Arts, Music and Dance. The University started with only 30 students; today it has around 4500 students. Due to the high market demand of these subjects, most students find employment during their internships. He also gave many scholarships to support meritorious and needy students.
He was ahead of his time in introducing distance education for everyone, so that students from remote areas can have the opportunity to educate themselves, but unfortunately this was discouraged. Now his dream has been realized as the world has recognized the need for online studies.
He founded the Shanto-Mariam Academy, institute and other research and art institutions. To encourage creative education, he opened one of the finest art gallery and dance studios. He also established garments factory in order to give hands-on training to the students. He established the Shanto-Mariam Foundation as a seedbed, where students developed their talents; now they have spread all over the world, earning both foreign currency as well as a good reputation for their work. One of his largest achievements in life was – ‘no student of this university is unemployed’.
He did not take any kind of monetary help or support to run the University, despite the subjects required large amounts of expensive facilities and equipment. His central slogan was ‘Creative Destination of the Nation’ which became acceptable to all irrespective of caste, creed and culture.
In fact, he continued his relentless efforts to make this country beautiful and prosperous through the practice of culture. He was heard to have said ‘Religion is the belief of man but culture is the bond between people of all religion, caste and all tribes. This harmony is the protection of humanity. Md. Imamul Kabir worked tirelessly for Bangladesh until death through the practice of art, literature and culture.
He did lot of charitable works and set up a huge charitable organization called ‘ShantoNibash’ to ensure free education and accommodation for the neglected children of the streets, orphans and children in prisons and brothels. He was even setting up a quarantine center for Covid-19 patients who will not be able to afford treatment and had started its work to employ doctors, nurses and necessary equipment’s. He even received the necessary permissions from the Ministry of Health, but the irony of life is that he himself lost his life to this deadly disease.
The example he has set for the spread of career-oriented, creative and cultural education in Bangladesh is unique. He will be greatly missed and remembered as a unique person, a true patriot and a good human being that the nation has lost.
He always promoted the empowerment of women. He appreciated my dedication and hard work and always treated me as a family member and referred to me as ‘Apu’. But with heavy heart we had to bid him a fond farewell. His death leaves a vacuum in our lives, one that cannot be filled. We all miss his presence. May he rest in eternal peace, and almighty Allah forgive him and grant him Jannah.
(Ar. Hosne Ara Rahman, Professor and Registrar of Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology).
