Kamal Uddin Siddiqui, freedom fighter and former principal secretary, passes away

Kamal Uddin Siddiqui, former principal secretary and a freedom fighter, passed away on November 3 in Dhaka from old age related complications. He was 80.

Born in Midnapore, British India, in 1945 to Nazir Ullah and Anowara Begum of greater Comilla, Kamal's career involved public service and academia.

He joined the Civil Service of Pakistan in 1968 and served in various capacities before playing a role during the Liberation War as the sub-divisional officer of Narail. He declared Narail independent and joined the wartime government led by prime minister Tajuddin Ahmad, later taking part in combat.

After Bangladesh's independence, he served in the civil service, representing the government in international postings and holding positions including secretary, cabinet secretary, and principal secretary to former prime minister Khaleda Zia from 1991–1994 and 2001–2006. He was also rector of the Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre (BPATC) and a member of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.

Kamal wrote more than 30 books and several articles on governance, development, and social issues. He also taught at various universities in Bangladesh and abroad.

He was laid to rest at the Shaheed Buddhijibi Graveyard in Mirpur.

Kamal is survived by his wife, Chhabi Siddiqui; his children, Ashraf Siddiqui, Shahana Siddiqui, and Ashfaque Siddiqui; daughters-in-law, Shakila Ali and Terry Kim; five grandchildren; and four siblings.