Former DU VC Prof Arefin Siddique laid to rest in Azimpur

Former Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique, was laid to rest at Azimpur Graveyard in the city on Friday afternoon.

He was buried beside his parents at 3:55 pm following his third Namaz-e-Janaza, which took place at Dhanmondi Eidgaon ground shortly after his second one at Dhanmondi Eidgah Mosque following the Jumma prayer, UNB reports.

Earlier, his first Namaz-e-Janaza was held at Al-Aksa Mosque on Green Road at 11:00 a.m. The current Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan, attended the funeral prayer there.

After the prayer, the Vice-Chancellor told the media that the Namaz-e-Janaza would not be held on the Dhaka University campus, in consideration of the overall situation and as per the family's decision. He, however, said a special prayer would be held on behalf of the university at its Central Jame Mosque.

But Prof Arefin's brother Atiqullah Siddique told the media on Thursday night that the family would arrange his Namaz-e-Janaza at Al-Aksa Mosque, and if the DU family wished, they could take an initiative to arrange the funeral prayer on the DU campus.

Following the burial, tributes were paid by placing flowers at his grave on behalf of the DU Mass Communication and Journalism Alumni Association and several departments and organisations.

On Thursday night, Prof Arefin Siddique, 72, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of academic excellence and leadership.

He breathed his last at 10:45 pm while undergoing treatment at the Neurosurgery Department of Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital.

On March 06, Prof Siddique withdrew cash from a bank booth before heading to Dhaka Club in Ramna.

While conversing with others, he suddenly collapsed. His family members reported that he was immediately taken to Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital, where doctors placed him in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

As his condition deteriorated, he was put on life support. Medical sources confirmed that he suffered a sudden brain stroke, which led to critical neurological failure.

Despite receiving intensive medical care, he could not recover after being placed on life support.

Born on October 26, 1953, in Dhaka, Professor Siddique hailed from Raipura Upazila in Narsingdi district.

He obtained his master's degree from the department of Mass Communication and Journalism at DU in 1975 and did PhD on televised teaching from the University of Mysore of India in 1985. He joined DU Mass Communication and Journalism department in 1980.

Dr Siddique also served as acting dean of Social Science Faculty and as senate and syndicate member. He served as the Chairman of DU's Department of Mass Communication and Journalism before being appointed the 27th Vice-Chancellor in 2009, a position he held until 2017.

After completing his tenure, he returned to teaching at his department until his retirement in June 2020. Beyond academia, Prof Siddique played an active role in various professional and cultural organisations. He served as the President and General Secretary of the Dhaka University Teachers' Association.

Besides, he was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) and a trustee of the National Museum.
His passing has left a profound impact on students, colleagues and admirers across the country.