Quamrul Islam Siddique a ‘Real-Time Hero’ Bridging Rural and Urban Bangladesh
Legendary engineer Quamrul Islam Siddique has been described as a “real-time hero” for building a vital bridge between grassroots communities and urban society by Tarek Bin Aziz, adviser to the central committee of the Association of Engineers Bangladesh (AEB). Emphasising national interest, he also called for Siddique’s life and work to be transformed into structured research and academic study.
Speaking on 20 January on the occasion of Siddique’s 81st birth anniversary, the London-based barrister and former engineer said Siddique should be treated as a subject of systematic study. “He is a matter of research. He belongs to the realm of academic inquiry. Engagement with his work should be routine and organised. Otherwise, no one in the future will be able to take part in the ‘relay race’,” he said.
Tarek Bin Aziz noted that Quamrul Islam Siddique was a man above partisan politics—known not for words but for work, and for maintaining a low public profile. “Anyone who came into contact with him was enlightened,” he said, adding that Siddique remained relevant even today. “Though his life was finite, he continues to be as relevant as he was when alive.”
He further stated that Siddique’s planning and initiatives in rural infrastructure development significantly reduced the gap between villages and cities. Beyond the engineering sector, his contribution to national human resource development was far-reaching. Many engineers trained under his guidance are now continuing to bring recognition to Bangladesh at home and abroad.
However, expressing disappointment over the lack of national recognition for Siddique, Tarek Bin Aziz termed it a “failure of the state.” “That he has not received state honours is not a loss for him—it reflects the state’s inadequacy,” he said. “Though an engineer by profession, he worked for all people. He was simple, work-oriented, and avoided publicity.”
Quoting Dr Muhammad Shahidullah, he added, “If the talented are not honoured, talent ceases to be born. Valuing people like him means inspiring future generations.”
Tarek Bin Aziz concluded by saying that collective engagement with Siddique’s life and work could help shape future engineers into pioneers. “I was enriched by knowing him closely during my career. I want to keep his legacy alive in my professional life. Personally and nationally, he remains a role model. People continue to honour him for his work—and they will do so in the future.”
DBTech/EK/MUM/OR
