Remembering a conscientious public servant

ABMG Kibria, during the early years of service.

He could have been an erudite professor in the corridors of our premier public university or an impeccable career diplomat with the characteristic grace and poise. Destiny, however, allocated his workplace in the rough and tumble of law enforcement where he proved to be a public servant of unimpeachable integrity. The above narration was, for sure, no hyperbole but a fitting description of A.B.M.G. Kibria, former Inspector General of Police and ambassador, who breathed his last on June 28. 

A strikingly handsome personality, noticeably smart in uniform, Kibria was one of those few young Bangali men in the post-partition time who  was equally proficient in sports and studies. A brilliant student of Economics, he graduated with honours and later obtained a Master's degree from Dhaka University. Before being appointed to the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP), upon successfully passing the Central Superior Services examination in 1952, he served as lecturer in Anandamohon College, Mymensingh and Jagannath College, Dhaka and later at Dhaka University.

Kibria was a star sprinter and footballer of his time and won many medals and laurels. It was thus no wonder that he served creditably as the General Secretary of East Pakistan Sports Federation in 1960-61. Manifestly elegant and gracefully attired in uniform, Kibria served as Aide-de-Camp to Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Huq, Governor of East Pakistan. Later, he served as First Secretary in the Deputy High Commission at Calcutta and finally, as High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Kenya. 

In police service, Kibria was the epitome of uncompromising honesty and integrity and invariably retained his composure in demoralising adversity. It was his piety coupled with professional confidence that lifted him to the top job. In the hot seat, often in a malodorous environment, he acted like a brave and caring commander always providing the protective umbrella for colleagues in crises that were not few. He was a leader of true grit. 

Kibria's marked religiosity drew the admiration of his friends, colleagues, relations, and acquaintances. A large part of his free time was spent in prayer and introspection at the holy precincts of Shah Shaheb of Paribagh. His public-spiritedness and flair for philanthropy in later life perhaps had its origin in such visits. 

For Kibria, retirement from service in the government did not mean termination of his interests in and commitment to public affairs. A leading figure in the Scouts movement, he also served Anjuman-e-Mufidul Islam, Bangladesh as president for a long 18 years. In 1985, he was appointed as the chairman of the Shadharon Bima Corporation and in 1991, in recognition of his integrity and efficiency in public service, sworn in as presidential adviser with a ministerial rank in the interim Government of Bangladesh.

When the situation demanded, Kibria could talk tough despite heavy odds and did not compromise with self-respect and the honour and dignity of his office. He refused to wear a reduced rank badge despite continuous pressure from powerful quarters. Honesty, both moral and financial, was the hallmark of his personality and he did not wilt. He indeed was a role model.

May Allah bless ABMG Kibria's soul in eternal peace and provide his children and a caring life partner, Habiba Kibria, with the fortitude to bear the loss.   

The writer is a columnist of the The Daily Star.