Staff Correspondent

The sixth death anniversary of heroic freedom fighter Md. Imamul Kabir Shanto, the founding chairman of the Shanto-Mariam Foundation, Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology, and Sundarban Courier Service Private Limited was observed on Saturday with due solemnity.

According to a press release issued by the organizations, a series of commemorative programs have been arranged to mark the day, including the laying of floral wreaths at the deceased's grave, complete recitations of the holy Quran (Quran Khaitam), and special prayer sessions (Doa Mahfil).

The memorial events have been jointly organized under the initiative of Dr. Md. Ahsanul Kabir, Chairman of the Shanto-Mariam Foundation and Sundarban Courier Service, and Artist Professor Mostafizul Hoque, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Shanto-Mariam University.

The press release highlighted that Imamul Kabir Shanto was a highly successful entrepreneur, dedicated educationist, and philanthropist. At the young age of 17, he answered the call of the nation and fought bravely in the 1971 Liberation War. In post-war Bangladesh, he played a pioneering role in expanding job-oriented vocational education and creating large-scale employment opportunities.

Among his notable institutional contributions are the Shanto-Mariam Foundation, Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology, Sundarban Courier Service, the daily Ajker Prottasha, Shanto-Mariam Academy of Creative Technology, and Shanto-Mariam School of Creative Technology. Beyond corporate and educational ventures, he established multiple mosques, madrasas, orphanages, and a dedicated rehabilitation center named "Shanto Nibash" to shelter underprivileged children and the elderly.

Imamul Kabir Shanto was born on February 11, 1954, in Dhaka’s Nakhalpara. He passed away at the age of 66 on May 30, 2020 at CMH in Dhaka. He was laid to rest with full state honour at the Banani Graveyard in the capital.