Economists mourn Sir Abed

Three renowned economists - Professor Wahid Uddin Mahmud, Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman and Dr Zahid Hussain have expressed their deep shock at the death of Brac founder Sir Fazle Hasan Abed.

Here are their condolence messages-

Professor Wahid Uddin Mahmud

I am deeply saddened at the news of the death of Sir Fazle Hasan Abed.

I had once the privilege of sitting beside him at a dinner event and we were discussing public health and poverty issues. At one point, I remarked that good development ideas in Bangladesh travel fast because of population density and he immediately quipped in, "So does diarrhea." Such was his presence of mind and awareness of development issues!

Incidentally, one of his important contributions was to spread the idea of home-made oral saline through Brac's one of the many effective social campaigns. Today, Bangladesh is a global leader in reducing child mortality, which, to a great extent, is due to the reduction of child death from diarrhea through the widespread adoption of orally consumable saline. This is just one example of many of his innovative ideas for development.

May his soul rest in peace.

Brac founder Sir Fazle Hasan Abed passes away

Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman

Sir Fazle Hasan Abed. An unforgettable and exemplary figure of extraordinary responsibility, deep-life philosophy of sympathy and relentless labor. The most disadvantaged man is also likely to change his fate, with this belief he built BRAC as the most successful and the world's largest NGO.

Today, Brac has gone beyond the borders of Bangladesh and is respected all over the world. But the courage and desire came from the very roots. Even at this moment of departure, his smile is providing reassurance, sympathy, sense of responsibility and inspiration to grab on to diligence to go even farther. Because the number of fateful people in the world is still countless. Goodbye, with respect and love.

Dr Zahid Hussain

Sir Fazle H Abed, a doer until his last breath, an innovator, a visionary, an iconic development practitioner and a proud Bangladeshi has left us quietly in his private space. May his institutional legacy last forever while his soul rests in peace!