Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed

Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed: A Distinguished Legal Luminary from Dildarnagar Kamsar

Early Life and Education

Born on January 16, 1932, in Ghazipur, British India, Ahmed’s family hailed from the village of Dildarnagar Kamsar. He began his education at Ramanath High English School in Hili, Dakshin Dinajpur, and later attended Calcutta Madrasa in Kolkata. After the partition of India, his family moved to East Bengal (now Bangladesh), where he completed his matriculation from Mymensingh Zilla School in 1948 and his intermediate studies at Dhaka College in 1950. Ahmed earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from the University of Dhaka in 1953 and 1954, respectively. He furthered his education at the London School of Economics, obtaining a second master’s degree in economics in 1958.

Legal Career and Contributions

Ahmed’s legal career was marked by his dedication to upholding justice and constitutional law. He served as the Attorney General of Bangladesh and was twice appointed as an adviser to the non-party caretaker government, overseeing the Ministry of Law & Justice and other portfolios. His expertise was instrumental in shaping the country’s legal landscape during pivotal moments. In 1978, Ahmed represented Bangladesh as the Permanent Representative to the United Nations. He was also involved in international election observation missions in Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Maldives, reflecting his commitment to democratic processes beyond national borders.

Academic and Professional Engagements

Beyond his legal practice, Ahmed was dedicated to academia. He taught law part-time at the University of Dhaka from 1961 to 1968 and served as the university’s senior legal adviser between 1972 and 1991. In 2003, he established the law firm “Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed & Associates,” which continues to be a leading legal institution in Bangladesh.

Personal Life and Legacy

In June 1955, Ahmed married Sufia Ibrahim, an esteemed academic who later became the first female National Professor of Bangladesh. They had two children: Syed Refaat Ahmed, who went on to become the 25th Chief Justice of Bangladesh, and Tasneem Raina Fateh, a medical professional. Ahmed battled health issues, including diabetes and anemia, and passed away on July 12, 2003, in Dhaka. To honor his memory and contributions, the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh established the “Barrister Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Memorial Lecture” series, fostering discussions on legal and constitutional matters.

Conclusion

Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed’s life and work exemplify a profound commitment to justice, education, and public service. His legacy continues to inspire legal professionals and scholars in Bangladesh and serves as a testament to the impactful contributions of individuals from Dildarnagar Kamsar.

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