It was towards the end of 1990 when three of us, friends, were engaged in a lively conversation on the frontside corridor of Mouchak Market after some shopping. Directly opposite stood the Cosmos Centre, with its signboard displaying the names of various business organisations, including United News of Bangladesh (UNB) and Dhaka Courier.

One of my friends, Salahuddin Ayub-now a teacher at a US university-pointed at the UNB sign and asked me, "If you want to take up journalism as your profession, take a job at UNB and move ahead." I took his suggestion seriously but did not respond immediately. A few months later, another friend and classmate, already working for UNB, informed me that the news agency was seeking a sub-editor.

Curious about the opportunity, I enquired how I could apply, given that there had been no official circular. My friend advised, "Go to Arefin sir (ASM Arefin Siddique), and he will send you to UNB MD and CEO Enayetullah Khan. He is sir's classmate and former colleague from Dhaka University." I followed his words, approached Arefin sir, and requested him to introduce me to the UNB MD. With a smile, sir handed me his business card and instructed me to meet the UNB MD the following day.

The next day, I found myself at Cosmos Centre, where I was fortunate to meet the UNB MD, a young and charismatic man. He directed me to UNB's then City Editor, Shamsuddin Bhai, on the second floor of the building. After a brief introduction, Shamsuddin Bhai asked me one crucial question: "Do you agree to start working without salary and conveyance until you are regularised?" Without hesitation, I replied, "Yes." And thus began my journey in journalism.

During our days as Dhaka University (DU) students in the 1980s, we experienced a turbulent period marked by political unrest under HM Ershad's regime. The university frequently found itself in an on-again, off-again state due to the anti-government movement.

One day, as I was returning to my dormitory-Mohsin Hall-on foot, I encountered Arefin sir near the Lecture Theatre, where his chamber was. He called me over, and, as a shy student, I followed. That day, I spent more than an hour in his chamber discussing literature rather than journalism. It was before I joined UNB, but that conversation laid the foundation for a deep and lasting relationship between a student and a teacher.

From that moment on, I visited him frequently-at his home, his chamber, and even his VC office at midnight. No matter when I needed support (though never financial), he always extended a helping hand. Once, when I told sir that I needed to borrow a book on Alberto Moravia from the DU Central Library but was denied lending privileges, he walked with me from the Journalism Department to the Central Library and personally facilitated the borrowing.

Frankly speaking, my relationship with Arefin sir was not unique. He was always available to his students, guiding and supporting them whenever needed. His kindness and dedication left an indelible mark on all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Today, 13 March 2025, our beloved sir bid us farewell to embark on his eternal journey at the age of 72. He breathed his last at 10:45 pm while undergoing treatment at the Neurosurgery Department of Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital. Despite receiving intensive medical care, he could not recover after being placed on life support.

Today, his students and well-wishers mourn the passing of Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique, a revered academic, and a devoted mentor whose contributions to journalism and education have left an indelible mark. His unexpected demise has left students, colleagues and admirers heartbroken, yet his legacy of wisdom and integrity will continue to inspire generations.

Professor Siddique's association with Dhaka University spanned decades, beginning in 1980 when he joined as a faculty member in the Mass Communication and Journalism Department. Over the years, he played an important role in shaping the department's future, eventually leading it as chairman. In 2009, he was appointed as the university's 27th Vice-Chancellor, a position he held until 2017. Even after stepping down, his passion for teaching and mentoring remained unwavering until his retirement in June 2020.

His final moments were as sudden as they were tragic. On 6 March, after withdrawing cash from a bank booth, he visited Dhaka Club in Ramna. In the midst of a conversation, he collapsed unexpectedly. He was rushed to Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital, where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). As his condition deteriorated, doctors placed him on life support. Medical experts later confirmed that he had suffered a sudden brain stroke, leading to severe neurological failure.

As we bid farewell to this distinguished scholar, we hold onto the lessons of journalism and communication he imparted. His absence will leave an irreplaceable void, but his contributions will forever echo in the corridors of academia and beyond. Professor Siddique's life was a testament to the power of knowledge, integrity and service. May his soul rest in eternal peace.