Professor Emeritus Kazi Zaker Husain, the spearhead in the country’s wildlife protection movement and a zoology teacher of Dhaka University, died of cardiac arrest at his Lalmatia residence in the city yesterday. He was 81.
He left behind his wife, two sons, two daughters, relatives and a host of well-wishers.
His namaz-e-janaza was offered in front of the DU Central Mosque after Maghrib prayers.
He was buried at the Banani Graveyard at night.
Born in 1931 in Nangalkot, Comilla, Prof Zaker Husain served as a teacher of DU zoology department since 1953.
Author of three books including Birds of Bangladesh, he was the Head of the Department of Zoology, dean of the Faculty of Biological Science and DU treasurer.
The wildlife expert also worked as editor of several journals and published more than 70 research papers.
He played a vital role in persuading the government to promulgate the Wildlife Preservation Act, 1973.
A mentor of many zoologists, birdwatchers, wildlife experts in the country, Zaker Husain paved the way for the wildlife protection and preservation activism in the country.
For his contribution, he was listed at the Global 500 Roll of Honour Laureate of the UNEP in 1990. He also received numerous national and international awards including the Independence Day Award, 1992.
DU Vice-chancellor Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique expressed shock at the death of Prof Zaker Husain and conveyed his heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family members.
-With The Daily Star input
