Iajuddin Ahmed facts for kids

Iajuddin Ahmed (born February 1, 1931 – died December 10, 2012) was a very important leader in Bangladesh. He served as the President of Bangladesh from September 6, 2002, to February 12, 2009. For a short time, from late October 2006 to January 2007, he also acted as the Chief Advisor for the country's temporary government.

Before becoming president, Iajuddin Ahmed was a respected professor. He had a special degree in soil science. He taught at the University of Dhaka and was even the head of his department. He also held important public jobs. These included being the chairman of the Public Service Commission from 1991 to 1993. He also led the University Grants Commission from 1995 to 1999. In 2004, he helped start a private university called Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology.

Early Life and Education

Iajuddin Ahmed was born on February 1, 1931. His birthplace was Munshiganj District in what was then British India. This area is now part of Bangladesh. His father's name was Moulvi Ibrahim Mia.

He studied at the University of Dhaka in Bangladesh. He earned his first two science degrees there in 1952 and 1954. Later, he traveled to the United States to continue his studies. He received two more advanced degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1958 and 1962.

A Career in Teaching

After finishing his studies, Ahmed returned to the University of Dhaka. He started working as an assistant professor in the Soil Science Department. He worked hard and moved up the ranks. Eventually, he became a full professor in the department.

He also held other important roles at the university. He was the chairman of the Soil Science Department. He was also the dean of the Faculty of Biological Science. Plus, he was the provost of Salimullah Muslim Hall. A provost is like a head of a college or dormitory.

Professor Ahmed is known for his work in soil science. He developed a special method to keep nutrients in the soil. This method helped plants get the food they needed when they needed it. In the 1980s, he was a visiting professor. He taught at Cornell University in the United States. He also taught at universities in Germany.

Public Service and Politics

Iajuddin Ahmed took on many public service roles. In 1991, he was an advisor in the temporary government. From 1991 to 1993, he was the chairman of the Public Service Commission. This group helps hire people for government jobs. He also led the University Grants Commission from 1995 to 1999. This commission helps manage universities.

During the 1990s, Professor Ahmed was the president of a group called the Federation of University Teachers Association in Bangladesh (FUTA). He also played a part in a movement against unfair rule.

Becoming President

Iajuddin Ahmed became the President of Bangladesh in 2002. He was the only person who signed up to run for president. At that time, the role of prime minister was seen as the most powerful political job in Bangladesh.

While he was president, Ahmed helped create two books about the country. These books were called Hundred Years of Bangabhaban and Bangabhabaner Shatabarsha. Bangabhaban is the official residence and office of the President of Bangladesh. These books were published in 2006.

Leading the Caretaker Government

In Bangladesh, there's a special rule for elections. A temporary "caretaker government" takes over to make sure elections are fair. The Chief Justice usually leads this government. In 2006, the person who was supposed to lead could not. So, President Ahmed stepped in.

On October 29, 2006, Iajuddin Ahmed became the Chief Advisor of the Caretaker Government. He also continued his duties as president. His job was to prepare for the upcoming elections. Some political groups did not agree with his appointment. They felt he was too close to the ruling party.

There were many discussions and disagreements among political parties. At one point, the main opposition party said they would not take part in the election. This made the country's situation unstable. Other countries, like the European Union and the UN, also became concerned.

To help stabilize the country, the military stepped in on January 11, 2007. They asked President Ahmed to declare a state of emergency. He also resigned from his role as Chief Advisor. He then appointed a new Interim Chief Advisor. Many people were relieved that experts would now try to fix the country's problems. The next day, Fakhruddin Ahmed, a well-known banker, became the new Chief Advisor.

Stepping Down as Chief Advisor

On January 11, 2007, Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed resigned as Chief Advisor. He kept his role as president and his duties for the Defense Ministry. He said that the election process had faced difficulties. He appointed Justice Fazlul Haque as the temporary Chief Advisor. He also declared a state of emergency. The next day, he appointed Fakhruddin Ahmed as the new Chief Advisor.

Iajuddin Ahmed's term as president was supposed to end in September 2007. However, he stayed in office longer. This was until after the national election in 2008. After the election, a new parliament was formed. They elected a new president.

The Awami League party won the election. Sheikh Hasina became the prime minister. Iajuddin Ahmed left office on February 12, 2009. Zillur Rahman became the new President of Bangladesh.

Health and Personal Life

In May 2006, President Ahmed had a heart operation in Singapore. He was 75 years old at the time. During his recovery, there were rumors about his health.

Iajuddin Ahmed and his second wife, Anwara Begum, adopted a son named Imtiaz Ahmed Babu. Ahmed also had two children from his first marriage: Susan and Adam. He had four grandchildren.

Illness and Passing

Ahmed had another heart surgery in October 2012. After this, he developed kidney problems. He was on life support for over a month. He passed away on December 10, 2012, in Bangkok, Thailand.

Many leaders expressed their sadness at his passing. These included President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. His body was brought back to Dhaka, Bangladesh. Several prayer ceremonies were held for him. He was buried in the Banani graveyard in Dhaka.

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