Giyasuddin Ahmad (1933–1971)

Professor Giyasuddin Ahmad's life was inseparable from the values he taught. Born in Narsingdi in 1933, he grew into one of Dhaka University's most beloved teachers, admired for both his intellectual rigour and personal warmth. After completing his MA in History, he joined the university as a young lecturer in 1958, quickly earning a reputation for excellence in the classroom.

The panjabi worn by Giyasuddin Ahmad. Courtesy: Liberation War Museum

A Commonwealth Scholarship later took him to the London School of Economics, where he specialised in International History. He returned to Dhaka University in 1967 with deepened scholarship and the same unassuming humility that endeared him to generations of students and colleagues.

Though not a political activist in the conventional sense, Professor Ahmad was a figure of quiet courage—outspoken when principles were at stake, and deeply committed to human dignity. During the Liberation War, he discreetly raised funds for the families of martyred colleagues, helped arrange medical care for injured freedom fighters, and stood steadfastly beside students and co-workers during the darkest days of 1971. Twice, he was taken in by the Pakistani army for interrogation. Twice, he returned unbroken.

A money bag belonging to Giyasuddin Ahmad. Courtesy: Liberation War Museum

In the final hours, however, there was no escape. On December 14, 1971, Al-Badr men abducted him from Mohsin Hall. Weeks later, his body was recovered from Rayerbazar. He died as he had lived—brave, compassionate, and resolutely unwilling to bow to fear.