Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of former Principal Secretary, noted administrator, economist, and social scientist Kamal Uddin Siddiqui.
In a condolence message, the Chief Adviser said, “Dr Kamal Siddiqui was a shining star in administration, development thought, and academic research. He was an honest, visionary, and dedicated public servant who worked to modernise the country’s administrative structure.”
He said the nation will remember Siddiqui’s contributions as a valiant freedom fighter, researcher, and policymaker with deep respect.
“I had a long-standing friendship with Dr Kamal Siddiqui. We often discussed the country’s future, administrative reforms, and global experiences. He was a man of integrity, humility, and patriotism. Personally, I have lost a dear friend and a wise companion,” Professor Yunus said.
Expressing his sorrow, the Chief Adviser added, “Because of the country’s hostile and vindictive politics, he was forced to leave Bangladesh several times. He faced harassment through multiple unjust cases, which was deeply unfortunate. Yet, he never strayed from his values or love for the country.”
“Due to the hostile and vindictive nature of the country’s politics, he was forced to leave the country multiple times. He endured unjust harassment through several legal cases — an extremely unfortunate reality. Yet, he never wavered from his values or his love for the country,” he added.
Former Cabinet Secretary Dr Kamal Uddin Siddiqui served as Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia until 2006. He was also a member of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child from 2005 to 2009.
In 1971, he actively took part in Bangladesh’s Liberation War.
He completed his master’s degree in Development Studies from the University of London and earned his PhD from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the same university.
