In loving memory of Hamiduzzaman Khan

Today, my heart is heavy beyond words. I have lost a cherished friend, Bangladesh has lost one of its brightest lights, and the world has lost a true artist, a mentor, and a humanitarian-Professor Hamiduzzaman Khan.

Hamiduzzaman bhai was not just a sculptor of bronze and stone-he was a sculptor of souls. With hands that crafted the monumental and a heart that understood the delicate, he helped shape how we remember our history, honour our martyrs, and dream of beauty in public life.

He passed away on Sunday, July 20, at United Hospital in Dhaka, after fighting pneumonia and dengue. But to me, and to so many who loved him, he remains immortal, etched in every corner of the world where his sculptures stand tall ( for instance, Hamiduzzaman Sculptor Park at 5 acres of Summit Gazipur Power plant); in every student who carries his wisdom; and in every friend who felt his warmth.

Born in Kishoreganj in 1946, Hamiduzzaman Khan was a proud son of the soil and a tireless ambassador of our country's artistic heritage to the world. His works, such as Remembrance '71, Steps in South Korea, Birds at Bangabhaban, the largest mural at Hamiduzzaman Sculptor Park, and Fish at Farmgate, were more than public art-they were landmarks of our collective memory.

He was a recipient of the Ekushey Padak, a revered professor at Dhaka University's Faculty of Fine Arts, and a visionary behind Bangladesh's first open-air sculpture park. But to me, he was simply Hamiduzzaman bhai-a kind, humble man who gave generously of his time and spirit, always encouraging, always listening, constantly creating and working till his last.

We used to sit for hours and talk about art, about Bangladesh, about humanity. I would joke with him, expressing envy at his free life of creating whatever he wanted, walking on the beaches of Cox'sCoxe's Bazar, and climbing hills of Rangamati. He was a teacher long after he stopped teaching. His mind was a museum, his heart a garden.

Hamid bhai is survived by his extraordinary wife, Ivy Zaman, herself a brilliant sculptor, and their two sons, Copper and Zarif, who carry his light forward.

I will miss him deeply. We all will.

May his soul find the peace and light that he gave so freely to others.

May his art continue to whisper truth, tenderness, and courage to generations to come.

And may we never forget that in this lifetime, we walked alongside a giant-quiet, noble, and full of grace.

Rest in peace, dear Hamiduzzaman bhai.

You live on in bronze, in memory, and love.

Muhammed Aziz Khan is an Art Enthusiast and Chairman Summit Group.