A legend in his lifetime National Professor Dewan Mohammad Azraf passed away in Dhaka on November 1. leaving a vacuum in the intellectual field of Bangladesh. Renowned philosopher and dedicated educationist Dewam Azraf was the founder Principal of Abufar Gifari College rm Dhaka Author ■ of 40 books on different subjects. specially on Islam and philosophy, he was a grandson of spiritual poet Hasan Raja of Sylhet.

A scholar of rare qualities. Dewan Azraf had dedicated his life in the teaching profession and was engaged in popularising philosophy through his writings .and deliberations In different seminars and symposia. An authority in Islamic philosophy Dewan Azraf was also well-versed in Pall and Sanskrit. A former Professor of Philosophy and Islamic Studies in the Dhaka University, he was later honoured as a National Professor during the regime of Late president Ziaur Rahman. He lived a very humble life in his old age.

He was also awarded Ekushey and Shadhlnata Padak. besides many other awards from various organisatlons including Islamic Foundation and Dr Mohammad Shahidullah Smriti Samity.

Dewan Azraf died at the ripe old age of 94. But it is unfortunate that he did not get his due honour at the fag end of his life and he had to suffer from financial problems. It is alleged that he did not get proper attention from the government when he fell critically ill.

Wellwishers and admirers of the late National Professor had

called upon the government to send the ailing philosopher abroard for treatment. A national dally reported that not even a medical board was formed for this great man whereas writers of lesser calibre get much more care and government patronage in such case.

The general people and the opposition party leaders, have, however, shown due respect to the departed soul sins the government party leaders worth the name were conspicuous by their absence in Janaza also, ft Is said that the greatness of a nation is Judged by the honour they show to the great sons of the soil. Dewan Azraf is gone but his contribution towards our philosophy, literature and culture will remain alive and the indebted nation will remember him for ever. No monuments are required to be erected to keep the memory of Dewan Azraf alive: with the passage of time monuments may perish but intellectual contribution lasts for eternity.

That such intellectuals as uphold the cause of ‘freedom of expression' have ignored the Sat son of the soil even in his ith is a shame for the nation. Let his soul rest In peace.