Ar. Hosne Ara Rahman
Registrar of Shanto-Mariam University of Creative
Technology.
Md. Imamul Kabir passed away on Saturday morning, May 30, after a long 9-day battle with
Covid-19 at Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajeun. He was
66 years old at the time of his death, and was laid to rest in his mother’s bosom at the Banani
graveyard after Janaza with State Guard of Honor. He was a heroic freedom fighter and the
founding chairman of Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology Trust, Sundarban
Courier Service and other business and philanthropic organizations. When the news of his
death spread, the shadow of mourning descended on the educational, cultural and business
circles of the country. He left behind thousands of teachers, students, officials and employees of
his institutions, numerous relatives and well-wishers including siblings.
Boundless courage, an exemplary work ethic and compassion for humanity are some of the
characteristics of his strong personality and character. Lonely and childless in his private life, he
considered around two dozen organizations as his family, with the staff as members of that
family. He was always ready with a helping hand to anyone in need. He earned the respect of
all, going by the simple names ‘Shanto Bhai’ or ‘Shanto Sir’.
‘Shanto Bhai’ took part in the Liberation War at the age of 17. On the very next dawn following
the day the country won its independence in 1971, Mr. Shanto’s joy of victory was
overshadowed by a tragedy when 11 of his fellow freedom fighter comrades lost their lives in
the early morning of 17 th December as the boat carrying them sank in the river Buriganga.
He established the ‘Shaheed Muktijoddha Smriti Foundation’ with the aim of preserving the
memory of those friends and freedom fighters as well as fulfilling the expectations of countless
freedom fighters. He looked after the welfare of the deceased family members by supporting
them financially and morally. He also erected a memorial in their memory in Azimpur graveyard
where nine of his friend were laid to their eternal rest.
He was a great admirer and supporter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. After the killing
of Bangabandhu and his family members, many of Imamul Kabir’s teammates lost their lives
while protesting at Dhaka University. Fearing arrest for protesting the killing of the Father of the
Nation, the young Md. Imamul Kabir migrated abroad to settle in Germany. He was inspired by
the Germans in seeing how they became a successful Nation even after losing two world wars.
Inspired by the German way of life, he returned back home in order to serve Bangladesh. He
was also inspired by the biography of Mother Teresa and Che Guevara; but Bangabandhu
remained the highest star in his esteem during his life and work.
Md. Imamul Kabir soon realized that money was essential in order to the serve the country. He
started Sundarban Courier Service (PVT). Due to his honesty and hard work, his business
became well known all over the country and gained the trust of the people. He became a
successful businessman, never looking back as he started to sow the seedlings of his dreams,
providing employment to many people.
In 2003, he established the Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology in Uttara; one of
the most active, creative and cultural higher education institutions in the region. Starting with
one building, today it has massively expanded and is about to shift into a new building in their
own campus in Uttara. He took a minimal amount of fees so that those students of a non-
affluent background could avail better educational opportunities, with many part-time income
opportunities under the foundation where students could work to meet their educational
expenses along with their studies.
He was a pioneer in creating a job-oriented, design-based cultural and creative university in the
whole region, overcoming many obstacles to introduce new subjects like Fashion Design and
Apparel Manufacturing Management & Technology, Graphic design & Multimedia, Interior
Architecture, Fine Arts, Music and Dance. The University started with only 30 students; today it
has around 4500 students. Due to the high market demand of these subjects, most students
find employment during their internships. He also gave many scholarships to support
meritorious and needy students.
He was ahead of his time in introducing distance education for everyone, so that students from
remote areas can have the opportunity to educate themselves, but unfortunately this was
discouraged. Now his dream has been realized as the world has recognized the need for online
studies.
He founded the Shanto-Mariam Academy, Institute and other Research and Art Institutions. To
encourage creative education, he opened one of the finest Art Gallery and Dance Studios. He
also established Garments factory in order to give hands-on training to the students of AMMT.
He established the Shanto-Mariam Foundation as a seedbed, where students developed their
talents; now they have spread all over the world, earning both foreign currency as well as a
good reputation for their work. One of his largest achievements in life was this – no student of
this university is unemployed.
He did not take any kind of monetary help or support to run the University, despite the subjects
required large amounts of expensive facilities and equipment. His central slogan was ‘Creative
Destination of the Nation’ which became acceptable to all irrespective of caste, creed and
culture.
In fact, he continued his relentless efforts to make this country beautiful and prosperous through
the practice of culture. He was heard to have said ‘Religion is the belief of man but culture is the
bond between people of all religion, caste and all tribes. This harmony is the protection of
humanity. Md. Imamul Kabir worked tirelessly for Bangladesh until death through the practice of
art, literature and culture.
He did lot of charitable work and set up a huge charitable organization called ‘Shanto Nibash’ to
ensure free education and accommodation for the neglected children of the streets, orphans
and children in prisons and brothels. He was even setting up a quarantine center for COVID-19
patients who will not be able to afford treatment and had started its work to employ doctors,
nurses and necessary equipments. He even received the necessary permissions from the
Ministry of Health, but the irony of life is that he himself lost his life to this deadly disease.
The example he has set for the spread of career-oriented, creative and cultural education in
Bangladesh is unique. He will be greatly missed and remembered as a unique person, a true
patriot and a good human being that nation has lost.
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https://www.youtube.com/embed/SWghS9NGgt4
I joined Shanto-Mariam University of Creative University from its inception in June 2003 as a
faculty member in the department of Interior Architecture. I had the opportunity to work closely
with Md. Imamul Kabir Shanto, during my service for the last 17 years. He always promoted the
empowerment of women. He appreciated my dedication and hard work and always treated me
as a family member and referred to me as ‘Apu’. I am where I am today because of him. With
heavy heart we bid him a fond farewell. His death leaves a vacuum in our lives, one that cannot
not be filled. We will all miss his presence. May he rest in eternal peace and almighty Allah
forgive him and grant him Jannah.
Ar. Hosne Ara Rahman, Professor and Registrar of Shanto-Mariam University of Creative
Technology.