BRAC mourns the loss of Aminul Alam, Executive Director of BRAC International

Aminul Alam during the early days of BRAC

This weekend, BRAC suffered a tragic loss. The Executive Director of BRAC International, Md. Aminul Alam, died in a hospital in Bangladesh. Amin bhai, as he was affectionately known throughout the BRAC family (bhai means brother in Bengali), touched the lives of thousands of BRAC staff and millions of women and their families.

The impact Amin bhai has made on BRAC and on the world is unmistakable and evidenced by the comments that have been made about his work and his life:

"Amin is not loved by slackers, but people respect his ability to work beyond endurance. He is the most entrepreneurial man, an exceptional person with an exceptional commitment to rural development. BRAC would not be what it is without him."

- Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, as quoted in Freedom from Want by Ian Smillie

"Amin-bhai was at the heart and helm of BRAC for all but its first three years. He will be profoundly missed in immeasurable ways. But he has left a rich legacy to BRAC: of programs firmly in place around the world, of staff and members inspired by his pragmatic vision, and of practical solutions to many of the world's seemingly intractable problems.

"We will miss you Amin-bhai but your legacy will live on."

- Marty Chen

"He was a man of dedication. He always wanted to give his best and the result is today's BRAC."

- Zahir Ahmed

"The global development community and millions of poor would remember Amin bhai with deep respect. His hard work, commitment and devotion have made significant contribution to change millions of lives lived under extreme poverty."

- Zia Hyder

"I once asked Abed bhai if BRAC were a verb, what would it be? Without hestitation he quickly replied: action. If BRAC equals Action, then Amin bhai personified BRAC-in-action."

- Susan Davis

"For the last twenty four years I have worked under your guidance. You were my mentor, philosopher and guide. You have given your best of services to BRAC. So long BRAC as will exist, your name will bloom in the history of BRAC. You have sacrificed your life for the benevolence of the poor people of the world and you have no end. You will survive in the hearts of the poor. Noble deeds never die and your great works will never fade away from this world."

- Faridhur Rahman

You can read more and submit your own notes of condolence on our website and on our facebook page.