ASK Staff held a memorial event today at 4.00pm, Sunday, 16th June 2013 at ASK offices.
”Khaleque bhai was a founder members of ASK. He was among those who took a pro-people position in whatever capacity they could. Last year, I was invited to attend an anniversary function of the Chittagong Police Institution (school) of which Khaleque bhai was the founder and at a point when the school reached the verge of almost getting to close down, Khaleque bhai and his wife Selina khaleque, who is also a social worker, came forward to save the school through personal contributions. Selina Khaleque in fact, donated her ornaments to help the school start a petrol pump to earn an income to run the school. Khaleque bhai was an author too. he wrote on the issues of human rights, citizen’s rights , good governance, policing and law and order. He also authored books on criminal law.”
Sultana Kamal | Executive Director | Ain O Salish Kendra
Abdul Khaleque (right) with ASK Lawyer Abdul Rashid taking part in a rally celebrating 25 years of ASK in 2011
1927 – 2013
Abdul Khaleque passed away on Monday, 10th June 2013 in Dhaka, at the age of 86 due to old age complications. He leaves behind his wife Selina Khaleque, one son and daughter.
He fought in the liberation war in 1971 and became the country’s
first Inspector General of Police (IGP), later was appointed home
secretary, and principal of Dhaka Law College. He was a passionate writer who reflected on the social and economic problems faced by ordinary citizens he wrote about social and cultural issues. His books included Political Economy of Foreign Aid, Transfer of Technology, books on Sheikh Mujib, Liberation War, and Bangladesh Educational Reforms.
After his retirement he studied law and took up legal practice. He
was one of the founding members of Ain o Salish Kendra. He led the police force soon after liberation , creating a force which was
responsible for the protection and well being of the citizens. Many
policemen were killed by the Pakistan Army on 25th March 1971.
After independence, protecting the public was his top priority. Abdul Khaleque worked hard to create a professional police force, and he also tried to provide them with proper salaries, and other facilities while making them conscious about their duties as policemen. He played a great role in the formation of the police force.
He was a strong believer in the rule of law and maintaining order. He was opposed to extra judicial killings and human rights violations at the hands of the police force.
He used to attend meetings at Ain o Salish Kendra regularly as an EC (Executive Committee Member) but also kept in touch as a general member at all times. and was instrumental in promoting legal mediation and guiding its methodology.
Rally Celebrating 25th ASK Anniversary in 2011
Condolences from ASK Colleagues
”I was sorry to hear of Khaleque’s bhai’s passing away. He had been ill for sometime, but was always available on the phone. He joined us as a founder member of ASK in 1985/86 and was able to advise us on working with the police. He was very honest and straightforward and constantly encouraged all of us at ASK to work for the rule of law. I had to turn to his help in 1974 when a group of us went to work in a village in Comilla during the floods and famine. Both Professor Anisur Rahman and I worked together. At that time Khaleque Bhai was very helpful in facilitating our relief work with the villagers.”
Hameeda Hossain | Chairperson | Ain O Salish Kendra
”We lost a person, who was committed for the people. he was not only the founder member of ASK, but also a guardian, it is an irreparable loss for all the human right activists.”
Z.I.Khan Panna | Advocate | Secretary General | Ain O Salish Kendra
” Abdul Khaleque’s absence will be felt in our society, where he has left a vacum in the human rights movement of Bangladesh”.
Nur Khan | Director of Investigations | Ain O Salish Kendra
Receiving an Honorary accolade for his contribution on 25 years of ASK celebrations with Sultana Kamal and Z I Panna 2011
Speaking at ASK 25th Year Celebrations
There will be a memorial event held at ASK offices for any close family and friends who want to pay their respect, the service will be held at 4pm on Sunday, 16th June 2013, please contact the Human Rights Awareness Unit for more details.
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