UMass Boston Mourns Professor Jalal Alamgir

Posted by Dr. Kaushik Roy | Thursday, December 8 2011 at 1:03 pm

I was deeply shocked when I heard the sad news. My salute to this devoted teacher and committed researcher. He will be missed and remembered forever. Rest in Peace, Dr. Jalal Alamgir.

Posted by m shahidul islam | Thursday, December 8 2011 at 2:10 pm

It was barely a month ago that I first met Dr. Alamgir at the Institute of Governance Studies (IGS). Our next encounter was during the last few days of November when a large number of academics and intellectuals from different parts of the world gathered in Dhaka for a three-day long conference on “40 years of Bangladesh: Retrospect and Future Prospects.” It was during this meeting that I had the opportunity to exclusively interact with him and get to know his writings. He was heavily involved with the conference in various capacities, sharing his thought and insights and provoking new ideas.

Being an economist, I was particularly interested in interacting with Dr. Alamgir on political theories as I struggled to understand some issues concerning Bangladesh’s governance and institutions. He was both fervent and prudent while sharing his thoughts on such matters but always very modest in revealing his own contribution in those areas. Nonetheless, the conversation I had with him was very enlightening. This prompted me to look at his works that are available on the Internet. I was taken aback to see the width and depth of his research output.

His untimely death is a great blow for researchers and intellectuals who have an active interest in politics, and particularly in the study of political economy of Bangladesh. He will remain a huge source of inspiration for the new generations of Bangladeshi scholars who have been striving to transform the country from a “limited access” to an “open access” society.

I wish I knew Dr. Alamgir more intimately to write on other aspects of his life. Unfortunately, I don’t have a time machine to remove this shortcoming. Thomas Campbell, a Scottish poet, who is primarily remembered for his sentimental poetry on human affairs, once famously observed that “to live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” Barely 41, Dr. Alamgir has left behind a rich academic legacy and a large following, myself included. I am sure that he will be living in our hearts forever through his varied academic and social contributions. I join others, including the IGS family, in praying for his eternal peace.

Posted by Vijaylaxsmi | Thursday, December 8 2011 at 5:17 pm

As a former student of political science and ardent follower of those who challenge entrenched systems of injustice, I admire the moral fortitude and dedication Alamgir Sr. and Jr. have professed in their lives.

Having never had the fortune of meeting Dr. Jalal Alamgir, I can only express the admiration I have for his body of work and the legacy he and his father represent. It is no doubt to me that they carry a burden few care to, and the loss of Dr. Jalal Alamgir is devastating to anyone who comes to understand the magnitude of this tragedy.

My prayers go to the family and community mourning Dr. Alamgir’s loss.

Posted by Keith Sonia | Thursday, December 8 2011 at 5:48 pm

I was extremely shocked and saddened to hear this. Dr. Alamgir was one of my favorite professors. He was incredibly informative, and his passion for his chosen field was clearly evident.

Rest in peace, Jalal.

Posted by E.G | Thursday, December 8 2011 at 6:35 pm

Dr. Jalal Alamgir and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Posted by V. Muna Kangsen | Friday, December 9 2011 at 10:41 am

I did not take any courses taught by Dr. Alamgir while at UMass Boston, but many of my friends did and they respected his intellect and his dedication to his students. They appreciated his encouragement to stay engaged on and off campus. I would like to extend my condolences to Dr. Alamgir’s family, his students and his colleagues. His ideas will continue to flourish through his students.

Posted by M Mac Lean | Friday, December 9 2011 at 3:30 pm

Tragedy indeed. I never had the fortune of knowing him, but may he rest in peace.

Posted by SIMONE | Friday, December 9 2011 at 5:01 pm

Extending deep and heartfelt sympathy to his family.

Posted by Joy Alamgir | Friday, December 9 2011 at 10:29 pm

My brother Jalal was the kindest, sweetest, smartest person I knew. He guided me without judging me, he taught me without preaching to me, he loved me unconditionally. He was my mentor, my friend, my confidant. I love him him very very much and wish some day I get to see him again.

Posted by Mrs.Farhan | Saturday, December 10 2011 at 1:28 pm

I am deeply saddened by this news. Dr.Alamgir’s family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.
May God keep his soul.
Amen.

Posted by M.Shoeb Chowdhury | Saturday, December 10 2011 at 11:15 pm

I am truly saddened by Dr. Alamgir’s death. He was an amazing person. Dr. Alamgir was always so kind and considerate to us that we always welcomed seeing him at every opportunity.

His passing will not only leave a void in our lives, but in the hearts of everyone who knew Dr. Alamgir. His memory will always remain deep within my heart.

My sincere thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Alamgir and his family.

Posted by Ambreen Khan | Sunday, December 11 2011 at 8:52 pm

I send my condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.

Posted by M. Shamim Chowdhury | Tuesday, December 13 2011 at 2:26 am

Jalal, or, as we call him, “Shuvo,” is my nephew. I have vivid memories of the discussion we had when I met him for dinner at a Vietnamese restaurant in Boston in 2003. I discovered that my little nephew was a great researcher, who holds Bangladesh in his heart and mind. Our family lost the sweetest member, but Bangladesh lost a great patriot. May Allah grant him the Jannat. Amen.

Posted by A.Adelakun | Friday, December 23 2011 at 1:50 pm

I am deeply saddened by the sudden death of Dr. Alamgir. I’m proud to have known such a kind, warm, and brilliant person. My prayers and thoughts are with him and with those he left behind.

Posted by KR | Friday, January 6 2012 at 11:03 am

Dear Joy,

Your comments are really heart-wrenching. I don’t know whether your eyes were filled with tears while writing this, but I was so moved with sorrow for a person I never knew and will now never know. Condolences for you and your family.

Posted by Charity | Wednesday, January 25 2012 at 12:36 pm

What a terrible news, Dr. Alamgir was a great teacher and he will be missed more then words could ever express. May his soul rest in peace.

Posted by Dana | Saturday, January 28 2012 at 7:36 pm

Dr. Alamgir was one of the first professors at UMass Boston to show me that there was a world outside of the U.S. He was someone who was very interactive with his students. He made me want to come to class every day wanting to learn. He is someone who will be missed not only by the community at UMass Boston but everyone who got the chance to get to know him. He was such an intelligent man and will be forever missed. Rest peacefully.