Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique: Mentor to a Generation of Journalists Passes Away
Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique, former vice-chancellor of Dhaka University, passed away at Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital last night at 10:45pm. His son-in-law, Nafiz Imtiaz, confirmed the news.
On March 6, Prof Siddique collapsed at Dhaka Club and was hospitalized. Despite intensive medical care, his condition remained critical, and he was placed on life support.
He is survived by his wife, daughter, and numerous colleagues, students, and well-wishers. Following Jum’a prayers, his namaz-e-janaza is set to be held at Dhanmondi Eidgah Mosque, and be laid to rest at Azimpur graveyard.
Born in Dhaka on October 26, 1953, Prof Siddique had a distinguished career in academia, journalism, and public service. He studied at Dhaka College before completing his master’s in mass communication and journalism at DU, where he topped his class.
Later, he earned a PhD in televised teaching from the University of Mysore in India. He also received training at institutions like the University of Manila, the University of Minnesota, and Cornell University.
Joining DU as a faculty member in 1980, he dedicated nearly 40 years to teaching. He was twice elected president and general secretary of the Dhaka University Teachers’ Association (DUTA). From 2009 to 2017, he served as DU’s 27th vice-chancellor, a tenure marked by a relatively peaceful campus and reduced session jams.
Beyond academia, he contributed significantly to journalism and cultural preservation. In 2020, he was appointed chairman of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). He also chaired the Bangladesh National Museum’s Board of Trustees and was a member of the advisory board for the Bangladesh Journalists' Welfare Trust. From 2016 to 2023, he served as president of Bangabandhu Parishad.
His passing has left a deep void among students and colleagues, who took to social media to pay tribute. Many remembered him as an inspiring teacher who supported students beyond political divisions.
