The book deals largely with the follies and failures of the people who run this country (and the world). It is an excellent record of the period it covers. -K.S.Murshid, Former Professor of English Language and Literature, University of Dhaka A splendid account of the state of our world, seen from the perspective of an ardent realist-a captivating tour de force. -M. Mujibul Huq, Former Cabinet Secretary, Government of Bangladesh The first part of the book 'Timeless Timepieces' is a profound section. The second part of the book 'Peaks and Valleys' is very much Asafuddowlah. In part three and four, contemporary developments have been commented upon by the writer where he expresses his honest thoughts and offers his free comments. I am sure readers will like the book even if they do not accept all the views. -Abul Maal A. Muhith, Finance Minister, Government of Bangladesh It is a browser's paradise-and will open up different interest for different readers. The chapters in this last named part will truly bring pains and panics in the readers' minds. As one reads the collections in every chapter, there is not a dull moment. -M. Syeduzzaman, Former Finance Minister, Government of Bangladesh Of Pains and Panics will be first noted for its widerange of subject matter. It reflects the erudition of the author and,more often than not, his unconventional views. One doesn’t have to agree with him to enjoy these pieces which combine freshness and vitality, felicity and poignancy, and lucidity and style. -Dr. Anisuzzaman, Professor Emeritus, University of Dhaka This is a Dictionary of Knowledge. It contains topics from Religion to Environment including Bush
Asafuddowlah was born in 1936 in Faridpur, Bangladesh. A student of English Literature, he was actively involved in student politics, an elected Vice President of FHM Hall, Dhaka University, and awarded the University Blue in 1957. He is currently the Chairman of the Bangladesh Society for the Enforcement of Human Rights (BSEHR). He served in the Civil Service for 34 years, including 14 years as permanent Secretary to the Government of Bangladesh, and elected as President of the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association. He was a Fellow of the World Bank Economic Development Institute (EDI), and a member of the Planning Commission of Bangladesh. He served as the Chairman of the National Radio and TV Commission, and as the Chairman of Sonali Bank—the largest commercial bank in Bangladesh. He was Editor of The Bangladesh Today, a national English daily. He is a musician, and an East Pakistan Olympic Gold Medalist in Swimming. He was the founding President of the Asian Swimming Federation. He takes particular interest in human rights, public policy, comparative philosophy and religion, and has translated selected Suras of the Holy Qur\\\'an.