The official launch of "Ashar Joy," the biographical book on Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, the founder of BRAC, took place on Wednesday. The unveiling took place at a publication ceremony held at the BRAC Centre, Mohakhali on the fourth death anniversary of Sir Fazle Hasan Abed.
During the event, eminent economist Professor Dr. Rehman Sobhan; BRAC Bangladesh Governing Body Chairperson Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman; Sir Fazle Hasan Abed's wife Lady Syeda Sarwat Abed; Managing Director of BRAC Enterprises, Tamara Hasan Abed; and Executive Director of BRAC International, Shameran Abed, officially introduced the book. Moutushi Kabir, Senior Director of People, Culture, and Communications at BRAC, moderated the session. BRAC Executive Director Asif Saleh was present in the programme, read a PR.
While discussing various aspects of Sir Fazle Hasan Abed's extensive work, creative development thinking, and innovative models for poverty and inequality eradication, the speakers read selected chapters from the book.
Eminent economist Dr. Rehman Sobhan shared his thoughts during the event, stating, "Abed left this world with a sense of satisfaction. Few people can say they have lived a fulfilling life. Not only in Bangladesh, he has also improved the quality of life of millions of people worldwide. So, I think he left this world a complete man, and there can be no greater reward than that."
Executive Director of BRAC, Asif Saleh reflected on the influence of Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, saying, "Those of us working at BRAC, have not only embraced Sir Fazle Hasan Abed as a role model but have genuinely endeavoured to learn from his work philosophy and thoughts, reflecting them in our daily lives. We always try to impart these values to the new generation."
Executive Director of BRAC International, Shameran Abed expressed "In the past few years, we faced significant challenges. In 2019, we lost our founder, and in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic began. Currently, conflicts are spreading worldwide. Despite these adversities, BRAC remains steadfast in pursuing its objectives. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, our operations have not only endured but expanded, reaching different parts of the world. It is safe to assert that we are precisely on the path that Sir Abed envisioned for BRAC."
Young employees of BRAC shared their thoughts on the organisation's development philosophy and its founder, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed. Zafar Ahmed Rashed, the CEO of 'Batighar,' the publishing company of 'Ashar Joy', also conveyed his reaction during this time.
The original book, titled 'Hope Over Fate: Fazle Hasan Abed and the Science of Ending Global Poverty' was written in English by Scott Macmillan. Alvi Ahmed translated the book into Bengali. The book sheds light on many aspects of Sir Fazle Hasan Abed's life, portraying him as a selfless man dedicated to the welfare of people, away from the limelight, driven by a firm belief in human potential and a life of struggle.
Scott McMillan, the author of the book, has a long association with BRAC founder Sir Fazle Hasan Abed and currently serves as the Director of Learning and Innovation for BRAC USA.