Remembering an honest civil servant

It's been a year since my uncle left this world. This vacuum will never be filled, but his memories will always be cherished. His works towards his country will be remembered for his honest and best judgement. Former Finance Secretary to the Ministry of Bangladesh (1992-1995), Mr. Nasimuddin Ahmed's first death anniversary will be observed on March 26. I am paying him a respect by remembering his services to the country and the humanity. He used to help people in need, never boasted about his humanitarian services. It was against his nature to discuss his private life in public. He believed in simple living and high thinking. A little reserved in nature, but intellectual by all means. It's an honour to write a remembrance, but will be tough to put together and to write in a few columns.
Nasimuddin Ahmed was a member of erstwhile Civil Service of Pakistan (CSP). Mr. Ahmed served the country for 35 years with humility and dignity. After independence, he held position as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Law and Parliamentary Affairs. During his distinguished career, he served as Chairman of Bangladesh Textile Mills Corporation, Bangladesh Tariffs Commission, and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation. He also served as Secretary of  the Ministry of Roads and Highways, Ministry of Commerce, and Member, Planning Commission. Mr. Ahmed provided outstanding leadership as Secretary of Road and Highways Ministry (1986-1990) and during his tenure many major infrastructure projects were initiated by him, including Lalon Shah Bridge, Muhuri Bridge and Gumti Bridge. In 1992, he took charge of the  Ministry of Finance as its Secretary and enjoyed this post to the fullest until his retirement in December 1995. His tenure as Finance Secretary was marked by his excellent guidance of fiscal issues and able assistance in the implementation of many innovative economic policies by the government. He left a huge impact wherever he served.  He will be remembered for his outstanding performance and, above all, for making honest judgment in the time of need.
Azimuddin Ahmed, his elder twin brother, was his soulmate and best friend. You cannot think of separating one from another. Azimuddin Ahmed, also a member of erstwhile Civil Service of Pakistan (CSP) and Secretary to several Ministries of GOB, also left us all last June. His brother's passing had such a deep effect on him, as souls were yearning for one another.  May their departed souls rest in peace.
He loved to do intellectual Adda with his friends. Intellectual nurturing did not stop at Math and Science, accuracy in the field of Philosophy, Economy and Literature had no boundary. A learned man by his own merit, he always carried a bundle of magazines and book wherever he used to go. In one word, we never found him without books. An avid reader, a critical thinker, he appreciated western classical music. "It is music coming from another world, it is coming from eternity", according to Austrian conductor Herbert von Karajan on Gustav Mahler's Symphony No 9 which he solemnly believed.
The writer is niece of Nasimuddin Ahmed. [email protected]