In the remembrance of its four deceased founding members namely, Barrister Salma Sobhan, former Attorney General Aminul Haque, Justice KM Sobhan and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abdul Khaleque, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) organised a memorial ceremony on 19January 2015 and celebrated their contribution and works through songs, dance and reminiscences by co-workers and family members of the deceased at Chayanaut Bhaban in the Capital.

In appreciation of being inspired by founding members, Executive Director Sultana Kamal embraced self-criticism as well as assessment in order to re-examine ASK’s position. She mentioned that the departed four members always put themselves forward in any movement regarding ensuring rule of law, upholding justice and human rights. They will be the guide and source of inspiration for all at ASK. ‘Hence, we do not remember them just to mourn but also for inspiration’, she added. She also mentioned the founding members as ‘educator for ASK’ and thus, their principles and works must be followed.

This memorial ceremony commenced by playing flute and a dance performance . Distinguished individuals of the society along with the family members of the four deceased bestowed their gratitude by lighting candles and read out excerpts from the biographies of four departed stalwarts who along with five other members started the organization in 1986.

In commemoration of Justice KM Sobhan, his son Rehan Sobhan spoke about his father’s lifelong constant struggles for upholding justice, human rights and ensuring trial of war criminals. Selina Khaleque, wife of former IGP Abdul Khaleque, thanked ASK for organising this memorial event in respect of their predecessors.

Among the members of ASK executive committee, Barrister Sara Hossain Faustina Pereira and general secretary ZI Khan Panna remembered four founders’ lives, works, achievements and struggles as well. Mr. Panna also unfolded some anecdotes from ASK’s early days when the organisation commenced its journey from the garage of Nurjahan Murshid’s Residence at Dhanmondi.

Noted economist Professor Rehman Sobhan, husband of late Barrister Salma Sobhan thanked ASK family to follow their predecessors’ footprints to enlarge what they envisaged. He stated that whether in professional or in personal life they proved themselves as ‘responsible towards the society’. “They accomplished successfully their institutional responsibilities and at the same time followed their conscience“, he added.

Recently departed lyricist and composer Gobinda Halder’s famous inspiring song “Mora ekti phul k bachabo bole juddho kori” also performed in this event.