Tuesday, November 11, marks the 48th death anniversary of ARM Inamul Haq, a pioneering engineer, educator, and social reformer whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
Widely regarded as Bangladesh’s first posthumous eye donor, Haq’s final act of service reflected a lifetime devoted to human welfare.
Three years before his death in 1977, Haq pledged his eyes by will.
After his passing at the age of 56, one cornea was transplanted into Shahadat Chowdhury, editor of Weekly 2000, and the other into Ramzan Ali, marking a historic moment in Bangladesh’s medical and humanitarian landscape.
Born on October 1, 1921, in Rajkhola Para of Uluberia, Howrah district, West Bengal, Haq graduated with honors in mechanical engineering in 1946.
Following the partition of India, he joined the teaching faculty of Ahsanullah Engineering College, now Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet), where he helped shape the country’s technical education.
Beyond academia, Haq played a key role in founding the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, and was instrumental in establishing the Diabetic Association and the Geriatric Society.
He also served as the founding general secretary of the Dhanmondi Boys Club.
Fluent in four languages, Haq was a polymath with deep interests in education, linguistics, and social equity.
He championed causes related to food security, housing, and gender equality; believing that engineering should serve humanity, not just industry.
His posthumous eye donation was not just a medical milestone, but a symbol of his enduring commitment to social reform.
