BARRISTER Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed was a many faceted personality who left an indelible impression on a vast and varied area of professional, political and social activity in his lifetime. His was basically the role of mentor, leader, and consultant to the changing and developing events in his country and he did indeed make his contributions, and his presence, felt not only in his own area of expertise but in other aspects of the sociopolitical scenario of Bangladesh.

There are innumerable events that stand witness to the intellectual and professional greatness of Barrister Ishtiaq and underline the extent of the vacuum created by his recent death. Barrister Ishtiaq was a firm believer in democracy and the dignity of the judiciary which led him to not only participate but also act as mentor in the fight for democracy and political stability in his country. The role the played in certain history-making cases and his involvement in the movement for democracy remain exemplary to be added to the annals of achievements made by a man of courage and confidence.

Barrister Ishtiaq Ahmed was born in the year 1932.His academic career began in Hili, Dinajpur, and Kolkata, and culminated brilliantly in his M.Sc. in Economics from the London School of Economics and bar-at-Law from Lincoln's Inn in 1958.

The beginning of his professional life saw him as a practicing lawyer with the East Pakistan High Court in 1958 where he established his reputation as a legal reformer and laid milestones on the path to pioneering unique cases.

Barrister Ishtiaq's 'charisma' as well as his professional capability led him to heights of greatness and respect . His stint as Advisor to the caretaker governments of 1991 and 1996, and selection as Representative of Bangladesh to the UN General Assembly in 1978 established the country's trust in his expertise as a leader and his importance as a thinker and active participator in the country's affairs.

Barrister Ishtiaq Ahmed led an

eventful life which was mainly inspired by his tenacity to see that democracy was maintained in all aspects of social and political life and that the judiciary was accorded the respect and dignity it deserved. He fought for, and realised, many of his aspirations which were aimed at improving the lot of the oppressed and the legally neglected masses. A letter from the "people of Feni" in Noakhali, written to a local bengali newspaper after his death, revives the reality of his courage and emphasises his staunch commitment to his professional position. The 'people of Feni', in thier letter, had thanked him for 'recovering' and re- establishing the local courthouse in the face of 'adverse' resistance. His life could have been 'endangered', but Barrister Ishtiaq deemed it a duty to uphold the status and power of Law in its position as protector of people.

Barrister Ishtiaq, or Dulah Bhai as I called him, was a man of ideas and ideals. He always impressed me with his quiet dignity, his active mind and precision in the use of words. One could, however, visualise the impact and depth of his expertise while in pursuit of his professional activities --listening to his deep, measured voice holding forth on different subjects (even occasionally cracking jokes or teasing us) or discussing national and international issues.

Barrister Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed

has left a legacy in the person of his judicial activities, his contributions to the events in his country and in the various professional documents, speeches and essays he has produced. He has forged the way to establishing the dignity and position of the judiciary in the country and created means to attain them.

The new generation of lawmakers have been provided with the incentive to go on to greater heights and create new horizons .It is left for them to carry on with the traditions and legacies handed down by their learned predecessors. Barrister Ishtiaq Ahmed is one such 'legacy maker' who needs to be immortalised in the annals of judiciary.

As a student leader, a lawyer, an active participant in governmental affairs, a thinker and a serious advocate of law and the judiciary, the late Barrister Ishtiaq Ahmed stuck to his ideals, fought for them and made many conquests in the quest for justice and the betterment of his beloved country.

His knowledge of the law and its intricacies was well-respected, so much so that other members of his profession would consult him in order to understand and implement them.

Barrister Ishtiaq Ahmed is quoted and remembered for his part in such controversial cases as the Anwar Hossain vs. Bangladesh in 1989, the Robbar (Sunday)newspaper case in 1988 in view of the ban on the freedom of the press, etc.

Barrister Ishtiaq was also the Chairman of the Company Law Reform Committee, the Deputy Attorney General and the Attorney General as well as the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association and a member of the Bangladesh Bar Council. He was appointed the Advisor for Law, Judiciary and Parliament Affairs before the selection of the National Assembly in 1996.

All of his appointments were in acknowledgement and recognition of his capabilities and experience in the field of his choice.