Architect Meer Mobashsher Ali dies
Renowned architect and a towering figure in Bangladesh’s architectural education, Professor Meer Mobashsher Ali, passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 84.
Family members confirmed that he succumbed to prolonged age-related complications at 8:00am.
Early life and education
Born in 1941, Professor Meer Mobashsher Ali embarked on his academic journey in 1958 when he enrolled at Ahsanullah Engineering College. Beyond excelling in his studies, he was deeply engaged in co-curricular activities, advocating for the development of engineers in literature, fine arts, and critical thinking. In 1962, he graduated with a degree in civil engineering and soon after became the president of EUCSU (Engineering University Central Students’ Union), further cementing his leadership qualities and commitment to holistic education.
Contributions to architecture in Bangladesh
Professor Ali's association with architecture began shortly after graduation when he was appointed as a teacher in the department of civil engineering and started teaching architecture on deputation. His passion for design led him to pursue higher studies abroad, and in 1963, under the auspices of USAID, he travelled to the University of Florida, USA, to specialise in architecture. Upon returning in 1966, he joined the Department of Architecture at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), marking the beginning of a remarkable career spanning over four decades.
From 1962 to 2006—nearly 45 years—Professor Ali remained an integral part of BUET, making him one of the longest-serving educators in the institution’s history. He played a pivotal role in shaping the Department of Architecture, serving as its Head and later as Dean of the Faculty. His efforts were instrumental in establishing architectural education as a distinct and creative discipline, separate from traditional engineering education. Despite facing numerous challenges and bureaucratic hurdles, he successfully advocated for this unique approach, contributing significantly to the department's current standing. He was also the president of the BUET Teachers’ Association.
In 1974-76, he earned an MPhil in Architecture (Housing) from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. During his sabbatical leave in 1997-98, he spent time in the United States, enriching his knowledge and bringing back innovative ideas to enhance architectural education in Bangladesh.
Professional achievements
Professor Ali was not only a dedicated educator but also a prolific practitioner of architecture. Some of his notable designs include: Telephone Industries Corporation (TIC) building in Tongi, Fauji Jute Mill, Ghorashal Flag Station, and Office Building, BCIC Housing in Patenga of Chattogram, Civil Aviation Office and Freight Terminal at Dhaka Airport, The girls' dormitory and several private residences at BUET.
His work extended beyond designing buildings; he participated actively in national-level planning and design initiatives, leaving an indelible mark on urban development in Bangladesh. Internationally, he delivered lectures at prestigious institutions such as MIT (USA), Leuven (Belgium), Alicante (Spain), and BIT (Calcutta). His scholarly contributions were recognized globally, with his biography and designs being featured in the Japanese-published architectural booklet '581 Architects in the World' in 1995.
Philosophical approach to architecture
A staunch believer in blending good composition, modernity, and technology, Professor Ali adhered to principles akin to those of the Bossert School. However, he firmly maintained that Western art movements should not be blindly emulated, emphasising instead the importance of contextualising architectural practices within Bangladesh's socio-cultural environment.
He also authored a book titled ‘Samatate Sangsad: Architectural Culture of Bangladesh, Louis Kahn and Parliament House’.
Legacy beyond architecture
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Professor Ali was a man of profound intellect and diverse interests. Religion and philosophy were among his favourite pastimes, and he frequently lectured on science and religion at the Department of World Theology, University of Dhaka. He also served the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Bangladesh as the naib national amir.
Known for his eloquence and wisdom, he graced numerous seminars, symposiums, and meetings with insightful speeches. Though averse to publicity, his personal and professional experiences have left a lasting impact on the field of architecture and city administration in Bangladesh.
