Zafrul Alam (6E) last breathed and left us at 10:30 AM this morning

Zafrul Alam (6E) last breathed and left us at 10:30 AM this morning

21 April 2024

Zafrul Alam (6E) last breathed and left us at 10:30 AM this morning. He has been suffering from a debilitating sickness for many years. Namaj e Janaja of Late Mr. Zafrul Alam was held today, 21st April 2024, at Masjid Maroof (20 Jurong West Street 26, Singapore 648125) after Asar Prayers followed by burial at Lim Chu Kang Muslim Cemetry.

An admirable person lost his memory and went into almost a vegetative state for the last few years. His wife and family took care of him all these painful years, finally giving in today. He has had issues with the feeding mechanism for the last few days, and his body was not able to get enough nutrition to survive in this state.

During his lifespan, he helped and contributed to the Bangladesh maritime community. He was the founder and President of the Bangladeshi Marine Community Singapore ( BMCS}.

Zafrul Alam was a faculty member of Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and used to teach  Environmental Shipping Classes for MSc in Maritime Studies.  His teaching methodology mixed serious subjects with a sense of humor. The entire shipping community in Singapore knew him as an exemplary professional with a sense of commonality.

Singapore government accorded Zafrul Alam key maritime positions, including representing the government at the IMO in London. He was stationed in London for a few years for this purpose.

We mourn his demise as a loss for the BMA alumni and the entire maritime community of Bangladesh. Let’s all pray that Zafrul achieves the Jannatul Ferdaus.

SOME MEMORABLE MESSAGES AND PHOTOS

Sunwer Dito 4.22.24 Facebook
We have lost our mentor and guardian

Yesterday, April 21, 2024, the Bangladeshi community in Singapore lost one of their guardians, Mr. Zafrul Alam (BMA 6E), the iconic legendary Bangladeshi mariner, who breathed his last at his residence in Singapore.

He had a long-distinguished career of 42 years in the maritime field. He joined Singapore Marine Department in 1980 and served 34 years including 4 years as Singapore’s representative to IMO and First Secretary (Maritime), Singapore High Commission, London. He was the Vice Chair for International Maritime Organisation, Marine Environment Protection Committee in 1999 and 2000. He retired as Assistant Director Shipping Regulation & Development of Maritime & Port Authority in 2014.
He was the President of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Singapore, Singapore Bangladesh Society and Bangladeshi Marine Community, Singapore. He is a recipient of three Singapore National Day Awards.

He was a man of integrity, sincerity, and compassion. He was a social thinker and a person with a great sense of fraternity who always stood beside those in distress. He was our mentor and a role model.
We have lost not only a leader but a source of inspiration and courage.
Soliciting your prayers for the salvation of his departed soul.

Baten (18E, Singapore)

Sun, Apr 21, 2024

Inna lillahe wa inna ilaihe Rajeun.

Zafrul Alam Sir has last breathed and left us at 10:30 am this 21st April 2024 morning. 

May Allah SWT grant him Jannatul Ferdous. 

Namaj e Janaja of Late Mr Zafrul Alam will be held today 21st April 2024 at Masjid Maroof (20 Jurong West Street 26, Singapore 648125) after Ars Prayer (tentatively at 4:30 PM) followed by burial at Lim Chu Kang Muslim Cemetry. 

All available Muslim Brothers & Sisters are requested to attend the Janaja Prayer.

A’MEEN

Dilwar Ali (6E) Melbourne

On this day, April 21st, 2024, I am deeply saddened to bid farewell to my esteemed colleague and cherished friend, Chief Marine Engineer Zafrul Alam.

Our bond transcended the boundaries of mere friendship; it was a journey marked by years of camaraderie and shared experiences. Our connection began during our time together at the Marine Academy, where we spent two years (1967-1969), followed by three years (1969-1972) of Marine Engineering cadetship at the Karachi shipyard. During our cadetship, we resided in Jacob Lanes and later Haji Camp, forging memories that would last a lifetime.

Despite the demands of our respective careers at sea, our friendship remained steadfast. We were not just batchmates; we were confidants who shared moments of respite, even visiting Zafrul’s village home in Chittagong during short breaks from the Academy. Our time at the Karachi shipyard was filled with shared adventures, from bunking together during working hours to exploring the bustling city streets with youthful exuberance.

Zafrul’s brilliance was evident early on, and his career trajectory was nothing short of remarkable. From his maiden voyage as a chief engineer from Malaysia to Singapore, he seamlessly transitioned into a distinguished role at the Singapore Marine Department, ultimately rising to the position of Deputy Director. His contributions to the formulation of marine pollution and environmental protection policies, as well as his representation of Singapore in international forums such as the IMO, were exemplary. He was later deputed to a diplomatic position at the Singapore High Commission in London.

Our friendship endured the test of time, spanning from the moment we first met in 1967 until his passing. Memories of our shared experiences, including being stranded in Pakistan in 1972 after the liberation of Bangladesh, remain deeply etched in my heart.

The depth of sorrow at Zafrul’s passing is immeasurable. His absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, and I mourn deeply for the loss of such a remarkable soul from this world.

Forkanul Quader   6N   4.21.24

Innah Lillahi Wainnah Ilaihi Rajiun. Deeply saddened & devastated by this tragic loss of our beloved Zafrul. May Allah forgive him and grant his soul Jannatul Firdous. He was a wonderful human being and a great soul. He will very much be missed. May Allah give strength and peace to Mary Bhabi and his children/grandchildren. Ameen

Captain Anam Chowdhury 12N

He was a great character with lots of softness .

I met him in IMO Chairing BWM group. Representing as Singapore delegate, finally met him last year in Singapore when he was in unconscious state.

May Allah swt forgive him & place his soul in the highest abode of Jannah & give strength to the Family to bear such great loss.

Zillur Rahman 25E    4.21.24

Dear All mariner, Assalamu Alaikum, Please note Zafrul Alam Sir BMA 6th Batch has last breathed and left us at 10:30 am this morning on 21-Apr-2024.  No words can indeed describe his personality, professionalism and social works.    During his lifespan he helped and contributed to our society, marine industry and  also helped us collectively and individually.   Zafrul Alam Sir was faculty member of NTU, use to take  Environmental Shipping Class for MSc in Maritime Studies in NTU.  He use to teach very serious issue in such a easy way with fantastic examples and with lots of humer.   Zafarul Sir, was the founder president of Bangladeshi Marine Community Singapore. BMCS. He played a leading role during the establishment of our organization and the drafting of the constitution. During the registration of our organization in the Singapore Registry of Societies, he elaborated in detail the reasons and requirements for the creation of this organization to the government agencies of Singapore. Which made it easy for

Shahan Shah 12/E   4.21.24

Innah lillahe wa innah ilaihe rajeun. May Allah SWT forgive and grant him jannatul Ferdous.

No words are enough to thank or write about his kindness, soft hearted and always stood beside the bangladeshi mariners.  We knew him closely as a mentor since 1981 when we came to Singapore.

Our condolences for the family. May Allah give them strength to overcome the loss.

Mazed (6 /E) 

Sun, 21 Apr 2024

Very sad to know the news.

May Allah give him Jannah. 

ِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ‎

Minar Rashid (21E)

Dear respected seniors, friends, and dear junior brothers,

Assalamu Alaikum (‘Peace be upon you’ often we forget its real meaning for its regular and habitual use)

The passing of Zafrul sir, a highly decorated and one of the talented mariner in our maritime history, a great soul, well known for his kindness and strong sense of community, alongside Shahbuddin  sir’s (from 2^nd Batch) touchy appeal (to BMCS-Social Platform at Singapore) for forgiveness from all, has prompted me to share this message.

It seems suddenly I calculated with an unpleasant result that I am only fifteen years (21-6=15) junior to Zafrul sir, whose departure, though saddening, aligns with the general average life expectancy. Reflecting on this, I realize I am merely fifteen years behind him in life’s journey, assuming I receive divine blessings akin to his. These next fifteen years (no guarantee at all! ) are not distant, especially considering my sixteen-year stay in Singapore. Amidst the busy/hurry moment of the past sixteen years, I haven’t spared much thought to this harsh reality of life!

Let us extend forgiveness to one another, allowing us to maintain clean slates and readiness to let go anchor at any moment. Our soul is like an anchor, not visible after dropping it but it too exists keeping worldly activities, good or bad  afloat  !    Our aim should be to refrain from causing harm to any human, whether through our actions or through our words. Let us release the weight of past deeds for a fresh beginning, embracing forgiveness and a renewed outlook. Let us commemorate this transition as a tribute to the esteemed marine personality we have lost just yesterday.

May Allah forgive Zafrul sir for any of his human limitation. Ameen.   

Best regards,

Ghulam Suhrawardi 6N   April 21, 2024

Inna lillahe wa inna ilaihe Rajeun.

I am incredibly saddened by losing our good friend and batch mate, Jafrul Alam. He was a bright star in the sixth batch. We all planned to converge in Singapore this October to assemble with his family and the families of other mariners who passed away. I heard of the deterioration of his feeding tract a few days ago, and I was praying for the restoration of the feeding. We desperately wanted to see him before Allah took him.

Anyway, we have no hand in death. Perhaps Allah wanted to provide him with a peaceful abode in the Jannatul Ferdaus. We can only pray for his peaceful journey.

I remember him as a great friend from the Academy days and afterward. With sadness, I would like to tell him, “Friend, I was not able to see you as I wished,” but I wish to meet you again when my time comes.

With love and affection to his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Credits for the video:

 

Proposed by Rafiqul Quader

Photo credits: Baten, Zahir, Jamal Sir, Mostafiz (28
batch). Fareena (Julie), Sanwar Dito, and Sharif Tipu (family relative).

Voice: Rayan (son of Monir, 29 batch)

Background score and Video Development: Latif. 

Pictures sort out: Latif and Saifullah 

Final Editing of Script: Ghazi and Nasrin Bhabi.

Coordinator: Saifullah 

Special Acknowledgment: Subrata

Various Information, guidance, and project Leads:
SanwarDito and Zillur Rahman.