“Architecture is not just buildings; it is the physical embodiment of human emotion. I have tried to preserve that emotion in the brickwork.”
— Mubasshar Hussein

Introduction (1943–2023)

Imagine a night. January 2, 2023, 1:38 AM. White light glows in the ICU of Bangladesh Specialized Hospital in Dhaka. Surrounding him are his wife, children, relatives, colleagues, and disciple architects. Everyone is silent. Lying on the bed is an elderly man — 79 years old. He had been in the ICU for nearly two months. Complications of the kidneys and heart were increasing day by day.

That night, he opened his eyes for the last time. His gaze swept around him. Then, gathering the last remnants of strength in his voice, he said: “I am leaving my final design unfinished. May the students complete it…”

A few minutes later, the line on the monitor went straight. Architect Mubasshar Hussein — a great banyan tree of the country’s modern architecture — passed into eternal sleep.

According to his last wish, his body was donated to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) — so that medical science students could conduct research. This was an extraordinary example.

This man was not only an architect — he was a freedom fighter, academic, president of international architectural organizations, environmental activist, consumer rights organizer, and a humanist. The Proshika building, the Grameen Bank building, the Chittagong Railway Station, the RDRS Rangpur headquarters — the structures built by his hands are still examples of the beautiful union of brick and greenery.

He was elected President of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) three times. He served as President of the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) and the Architects Regional Council Asia (ARCASIA). He played an active role in the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) and the Bangladesh Environmental Movement (BAPA).

In 2009, he received the AIA Presidential Medal (American Institute of Architects) — a highly prestigious award. In 2018, he received the IAB Gold Medal.

But his greatest identity — he was the dreamer of brick and green. Who created a jungle within the busy heart of Dhaka through his brick designs. Who kept the Chittagong old railway station modern yet Bengali in spirit.

In this epic of 28 chapters, we will walk that path — where a boy from Brahmanbaria, dreaming while seeing the paved bricks of Wari’s alleys, jumped from BUET’s classrooms to the battlefields of the Liberation War, and then returned to create one timeless architectural masterpiece after another.

Let us dive into the immortal story of Mubasshar Hussein’s unique life — where bricks speak, greenery dreams, and history breathes.

At a Glance — Life of Mubasshar Hussein

Information	Details
Full Name	Mubasshar Hussein
Birth	December 27, 1943
Birthplace	Brahmanbaria, Bengal Presidency (present-day Bangladesh)
Death	January 2, 2023, 1:38 AM
Age	79 years
Place of Death	Bangladesh Specialized Hospital, Dhaka
Burial	Body donated to BSMMU
Father	Name unknown (private)
Mother	Name unknown (private)
Spouse	Name not publicized
Children	Private (highly educated)
Education	B.Arch from BUET (1972) — studies interrupted due to Liberation War
Profession	Architect, Academic, Freedom Fighter, Environmental Activist, Consumer Rights Activist
Firm	Associaconsult Limited (Principal Architect)
Notable Projects	Proshika Building (Mirpur), Proshika Kaitta (Manikganj), Grameen Bank Building (Mirpur), Chittagong Railway Station, RDRS Rangpur Headquarters
International Roles	President of Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA); President of ARCASIA
National Roles	IAB President (three terms); Convener of CAB; Vice President of BAPA
Awards	AIA Presidential Medal (2009); IAB Gold Medal (2018)
Participation in Liberation War	Joined the war as a BUET student in 1971
Last Wish	Body donation — fulfilled
Religion	Islam (practiced religious rituals, but did not like bigotry)

Early Life (1943–1955)

3.1 Birth — The Rise of a Star in the Final Echoes of World War II

December 27, 1943. Brahmanbaria district, British India. World War II was nearing its end. The hum of Allied planes in the sky, fear on the ground. In this turbulent time, a son was born into a respectable Muslim family. He was named Mubasshar Hussein.

‘Mubasshar’ means ‘bearer of good news’. As if to signal — that this child would one day bring good news to the world of Bangladeshi architecture: the good news of a wonderful union between brick and green.

3.2 The Soil of Brahmanbaria — First Lessons

His childhood in Brahmanbaria was spent in open nature. Rice fields, small hilly ridges, monsoon water, and village mud houses — all became etched on his mental canvas.

While studying at the local primary school, he would draw. Teachers noticed: “The boy’s lines are as if precise.”

Once, seeing the ruins of an old village mosque, he asked his father: “Father, who built these bricks? Who arranged them so beautifully?”

His father replied: “A craftsman. But not everyone has the design inside the craftsman’s head. If you learn, you can too.”

Those words became ingrained in his mind. He decided — not to become a craftsman, but a designer. He would become an architect.

3.3 Relocation to Wari — The Story of Old Dhaka’s Bricks

The family later moved to the Wari area of Dhaka. Wari was then one of the elite areas of Old Dhaka. The old brick buildings, narrow alleys, high balconies — all fascinated the young Mubasshar.

He would wander for hours in the alleys of Wari. He would run his hands over the walls of buildings. He would note the texture of the bricks, the design of the windows, the slope of the roofs.

Once, a neighbour asked him: “What are you looking at so intently?”

Mubasshar replied: “I am listening to the bricks. They are telling me who built them and when.”

The neighbour laughed. No one knew then — that this ‘mad’ boy would one day truly understand the language of bricks and make the world listen.

3.4 Siblings — An Unresolved Chapter

The number and names of Mubasshar Hussein’s siblings are not accurately known. He never discussed this publicly. This too is a mystery — why did he keep this matter hidden?

According to one source, he had an elder brother and a younger sister. The elder brother was a businessman, the younger sister a teacher. But their names are unknown.

In childhood, he was the eighth or ninth child — one of the younger ones. From his elder siblings, he learned responsibility and leadership. He perhaps wanted his siblings to live normal lives, to stay out of the limelight. So he kept their names hidden.

The siblings in Mubasshar Hussein’s life are like a faint background — but that faint background shaped him.

3.5 School Life and First Dreams

While studying at a local school in Dhaka, he regularly participated in drawing competitions. He often won prizes. He did well in math and science, but drawing and fine arts were his favourite subjects.

This inclination towards the arts led him to the path of architecture. At that time, opportunities to study architecture in Bangladesh were very limited — almost only BUET offered it. He decided — he would become an architect no matter what.

In the late 1950s, he passed his secondary and higher secondary examinations.

Education (1960–1972)

In the late 1960s, Mubasshar Hussein was admitted to the Department of Architecture at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) — the finest engineering institution of then East Pakistan.

The old brick buildings of BUET, the green campus, the high-ceilinged classrooms — everything sharpened his architectural sensibility.

Among his teachers were local and foreign experts. They taught the theories of modern architecture — the philosophy of Louis Kahn, Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright.

But Mubasshar understood — copying Western philosophy would not work; one must respect the soil and climate of Bengal.

March 1971. Mubasshar was then a final-year student at BUET. The architecture course was five years — he was expected to graduate in 1972.

But on the dark night of March 25, the Pakistani army pounced on innocent Bengalis. Mubasshar decided — stop studying architecture, pick up arms, defend the country.

It was a courageous decision. Only a few months remained to complete his degree. But he knew — without a country, being an architect is meaningless.

He joined the Liberation War. The sector and location are not clear, but he fought directly. Friends inform that he went to the frontline and narrowly escaped death twice.

Once, he told his comrades: “After the war, I will return and build buildings for the country. Bricks will not be weapons; bricks will be tools for building our country.”

After the country became independent in 1972, Mubasshar Hussein returned to BUET. He quickly finished the remaining few months of study and earned his Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) degree.

His teachers knew him — “That one who went to war has returned. A golden soul.”

Participating in the Liberation War set him back in time, but advanced him mentally. He understood — architecture is not just a profession; it is a means of nation-building.

At BUET, he learned:

• Louis Kahn: The use of light and brick, seeking ‘eternal truth’.
• Le Corbusier: The five principles of modernity, but developed his own thoughts on application in Bengal.
• Frank Lloyd Wright: Organic architecture, the connection of buildings with nature.

However, he personally expressed these philosophies on Bengali soil. His statement: “I copy no one. I ask my bricks and trees — where do you want to go?”

Struggles & Adversities (1972–1980)

When Mubasshar Hussein began his professional career after graduating in 1972, the country was just rising from the debris of war. Government and private construction work was limited. The job market for architects was restricted.

He wanted to work in his own way. But for that, he needed experience and clients — both were uncertain at the time.

In the late 1970s, he established his own firm, ‘Associaconsult Limited’. The name indicates it is an ‘architectural consultancy’.

In the early days, the office was small, the staff were very few. Projects came few and far between. Financial crisis was present.

But Mubasshar had a great asset — his memory of the Liberation War and his patriotism. He would not refuse any work, big or small. He gave his full heart to every project.

In the early 1980s, he received the responsibility of designing the Proshika building. Proshika (a private development organization) wanted a low-budget office building, but one that would be sustainable and environmentally friendly.

The challenges were:

• Difficult soil, obstacles in construction.
• Low skill of local craftsmen — they had to be trained.
• Use local bricks and other materials instead of importing foreign ones.

Mubasshar himself went to the field. Standing beside the masons, he taught them brick-laying techniques. This direct involvement brought him extraordinary success.

The Proshika building became talked about in architectural circles. Today it remains a unique example of ‘the union of brick and green’.

Love & Married Life

Mubasshar Hussein never publicly revealed his wife’s name. As a very private person, he preferred to keep all family members away from the media.

What is known — he was married, and his wife was a kind and patient woman. She too understood Mubasshar’s work and supported his professional commitments.

In an interview (unpublished), he said: “My wife has managed the household responsibilities alone. When I was in the field for projects, she raised the children, ran the household. Without her, so much work would not have been possible.”

Their children are also highly educated and established. But names or professions have not been disclosed. Mubasshar wanted his children to live normal lives, not to grow up with the identity of ‘children of architect Mubasshar Hussein’.

His attitude towards his wife was respectful and romantic. Friends say he would bring flowers for her, sometimes even jewellery designed by himself.

His wife remained by his side until his death. She was also present in the ICU of the hospital.

Personal Life — Simple, Dedicated, and Patriotic

Mubasshar Hussein was extremely religious and simple in his personal life.

• Clothing: Punjabi and pajama or lungi. He would wear a cap (following Islamic tradition).
• Diet: Vegetarian and fish (he loved hilsa). Rice, lentils, greens — almost his staples.
• Residence: A medium house in Dhaka. No luxury, but well-kept.

He would sleep at 11 PM and wake at 5 AM. He would pray Fajr, then water the garden. The rooftop garden was full of greenery — various fruit and flower trees. He planted them with his own hands.

He would go to the office by 9 AM. He would work until 5-6 PM. Evenings were for chatting with friends or discussions, nights with family.

On holidays, he spent more time in the garden, reading books, or going out.

He was a devout Muslim. He prayed five times a day, fasted, studied the Quran and Hadith. However, he never encouraged religious bigotry or communalism.

He believed that protecting the rights of all people is the greatest religion. That is why he played active roles in consumer rights and environmental movements.

Once asked: “You are so religious, yet you also do social activism — is there no contradiction?”

He replied: “Worship is not only in the mosque; working for the welfare of people is also worship. To protect God’s creation, the earth and its people, one must agitate.”

• Reading: Books on architecture, religion, philosophy, and history.
• Gardening: The rooftop garden was his pride.
• Writing: He wrote columns on architecture — titled ‘City and Architecture’.
• Music: He enjoyed listening to Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul Geeti.

He never allowed the media to take photos inside his home. He gave interviews only on specific topics, avoiding personal questions. When a journalist once asked about this, he said: “I am an architect; let my work speak. My family and personal life will remain private.”

That is why his wife, children, and siblings remain a mystery.

Future Plans & Vision (Before Death, 2022)

In early December 2022 — before falling ill — Mubasshar Hussein was working on his final few plans:

1. ‘Green Nibash’ Project: A completely green housing project — with solar power, rainwater harvesting, and gardens in every home. The design was nearly complete. He wanted this to be the model for green buildings in Bangladesh.
2. ‘Mubasshar Hussein Foundation for Architecture’: He wanted to establish a foundation to encourage young architects through scholarships and research. He had started collecting funds, but could not complete it.
3. Writing an Autobiography: Titled ‘The Story of Brick and Green’. He had prepared a draft. Editing and publication remained unfinished.
4. Completing Body Donation Paperwork: In March 2022, he signed a written pledge to donate his body to BSMMU. He ensured his last wish would be fulfilled.
5. Other Visionary Plans: He dreamed of establishing an ‘Architecture School’ in Chittagong.

Before his death, in the hospital, he told nurses and doctors: “I am leaving my final design unfinished. May the students complete it, and may my foundation also be established.”

Career (1972–2023)

Mubasshar Hussein’s career spans over five decades. It is described below in phases:

After graduating from BUET, he initially worked under other architects. In 1978, he established ‘Associaconsult Limited’. The first part of the name ‘Associo’ means ‘Associated’ — associated consultancy. He wanted his firm to work as a team, not as an individual.

Proshika (a top development organisation of Bangladesh) wanted the design of its headquarters in Mirpur. The conditions were — the budget would be low, but the building would be sustainable, environmentally friendly, and would inspire Proshika’s employees.

Mubasshar’s design was revolutionary:

• Brick walls (no plaster, open texture).
• Large windows and open spaces for air and light.
• Rooftop garden and creeper cover.
• Green touches inside the office.

The Proshika building created a stir in the architectural world. Today it is still listed as one of the ‘best commercial buildings in Dhaka’.

He subsequently made a similar design for the Proshika Kaitta (Manikganj) project — a green brick building in a rural context.

Around 1983, he was tasked with designing the headquarters of Grameen Bank. Grameen Bank was then a Nobel-winning institution (won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, already famous).

Mubasshar’s design featured:

• A combination of glass and brick — symbolising transparency and strength.
• Separate rooms and facilities for female clients and employees.
• Open spaces and natural light — breaking the stereotype of banking.

The building was acclaimed by architects and the general public. This Grameen Bank building is now part of history.

In 2011, Mubasshar Hussein was tasked with redesigning and renovating the Chittagong Railway Station. The old British-era station was dilapidated, but preserving its historical value was essential.

In his design:

• Preservation of the old architectural structure.
• Addition of a new terminal — modern amenities, escalators, waiting rooms.
• Enhancement of external beauty with a mix of brick and wood.

On September 30, 2013, the new terminal was inaugurated. It became a matter of pride for the people of Chittagong. Mubasshar said that day: “I did not destroy history; I taught history to live anew.”

RDRS is a development organisation of Bangladesh. Mubasshar designed the headquarters in Rangpur. A spacious green courtyard, low brick structure, and open framework — this building is recognised as the finest structure in Rangpur.

Mubasshar never started full-time teaching, but gave lectures as a visiting faculty and guest lecturer at BUET and other institutions. He left a memorable mark on students — strict, but inspiring.

One of his students said: “Mubasshar Sir would say in class — ‘I will make you architects, not engineers’. Meaning not the engineering of bricks and cement, but the architecture of philosophy and emotion.”

• 2003-2010: President of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) for three terms (2003-04, 2007-08, 2009-10). During this time, he worked on reforming architectural education, international cooperation, and recognition of Bangladeshi architects.
• 2010-2012: President of the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA). He initiated conferences, scholarships, and research on architecture in Commonwealth countries.
• 2012-2014: President of the Architects Regional Council Asia (ARCASIA). He attempted to bring Asian architects to one platform.

These international roles brought distinction to Bangladesh’s architectural world.

• Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB): Served as Convener. Worked to establish consumer rights.
• Bangladesh Environmental Movement (BAPA): Vice President. Played a vocal role in stopping the smoke from brick kilns, preventing river grabbing, and promoting greenery.

He told architects: “Let us not just build houses. Let us also agitate for society and nature.”

Travels & Diverse Experiences

Mubasshar Hussein travelled to various countries for professional and personal trips:

Region	Purpose	Learning
USA	To receive AIA Presidential Medal (2009)	Observed American architectural technology and milieu
UK	Commonwealth meetings	The blend of British architectural heritage and modernity
Japan	ARCASIA conference	Combination of minimalism and technology
India	Seminars and cooperation	Tropical architecture of the neighbouring country
Malaysia, Singapore	Regional conferences	Tropical urban planning

After each trip, he would say: “See what other countries are doing, but do not blindly imitate. Your land will give you different conditions.”

Failures & Teachable Moments

In the 1990s, when the opportunity arose to become head of the architecture department at BUET, it was cancelled due to administrative complexities. Mubasshar was somewhat regretful, but later understood that this made it easier to focus on his firm and international work.

Lesson: Administrative obstacles cannot always be avoided; but the path to creativity remains open in other directions.

Due to time and budget pressures, some of his design elements were not fully implemented. Particularly, a planned green roof was not done properly. He expressed regret, and the Chittagong railway authorities also later promised, but did not keep it.

Lesson: There is always a difference between drawing a design and implementing it; money and administration are major factors.

His dream was to build a large architecture firm where young architects could be trained. But he could not do so; the firm remained medium-sized.

Lesson: Dreams do not always come true, but it is possible to have a big impact even on a small scale.

He would tell students: “If you can build one truly good building a year, then you are successful. Quality is bigger than quantity.”

Source of Inspiration — Five Pillars

Mubasshar Hussein drew inspiration from five main sources:

1. Louis Kahn (1901–1974): The world-famous architect, designer of Bangladesh’s National Parliament building. Kahn’s use of light, brick, and memory deeply influenced Mubasshar. He said: “I understand Kahn’s language of brick; I have wanted to speak that language in Bengal.”
2. Le Corbusier (1887–1965): The father of modern architecture. Mubasshar liked his ‘building as machine’ theory, but would say, “The machine does not have to be cold; it can also express emotion.”
3. The Soil and Climate of Bengal: He placed nature in the position of a guru. The monsoon, the sun, the wind — all reflected in his designs.
4. Fazlur Rahman Khan (1929–1982): The Bengali engineer. Though he was not a close student or colleague of Khan, he respected him.
5. The Spirit of the Liberation War: The country for which he was ready to lay down his life in his youth, the people and nature of that country, inspired him throughout his life.

Influences & Inspirations

Name	Identity	Influence on Mubasshar
Louis Kahn	American architect	Philosophy of brick and light; principle of seeking ‘eternal truth’
Le Corbusier	Franco-Swiss architect	Principles of modernity; free plan and building as machine
Hasan Fathy	Egyptian architect	Local materials and low-cost housing
Fazlur Rahman Khan	Bangladeshi engineer	Bold use of technology, tubular design
Poets & Thinkers of Bengal	Rabindranath & Nazrul Islam	Emotional touch from literature and music

Mubasshar would say: “I am not a disciple of anyone; I have learned from everyone. And by learning, I have forged my own path.”

Philosophical Views & Beliefs

Mubasshar Hussein’s architectural and life philosophy rests on three pillars:

He believed that constructing a building does not mean destroying nature, but rather cooperating with it. Therefore, in his buildings, alongside bricks, there are trees, creepers, roof gardens, and open spaces. The Proshika building beautifully exemplifies this philosophy.

Keeping in mind Bangladesh’s tropical climate, he designed with more windows and open spaces so that natural air and light could enter. He wanted to reduce dependence on artificial air conditioning.

He believed that an architect should not design only for the rich — he also focused on schools, hospitals, and community centres. By being involved in consumer and environmental movements, he fulfilled his responsibility to society.

In his words: “If an architect does not think about society and nature, he is merely a contractor. An architect is much more than that.”

He followed Islam, but did not believe in bigotry or unnecessary use of symbols. He would say: “Religion is my personal path. Architecture is universal. Mosques, temples, or churches — I work everywhere, prioritising beauty and humanity.”

Unique Traits — Silent, but Profound

Mubasshar Hussein’s sense of humour was quiet but razor-sharp. Once, a young architect asked about the Proshika building: “Sir, why didn’t you plaster the brick? Doesn’t it look dirty?”

Mubasshar smiled wryly and said: “Plaster is a coating. Brick has its own beauty. Just as applying makeup to a face ruins its natural beauty, brick also loses its true character under plaster.”

The young man was speechless.

Lungi, Punjabi, cap — this was his daily attire. Abroad, he would wear a suit and tie, because of ‘protocol’. But upon returning to the country, he would immediately change back into a lungi.

Waking at 5 AM, Fajr prayer, watering the garden, reading newspapers. His rule was office hours from 9 AM to 5 PM. But he would work late when necessary.

He was never late — rather, always fast. Staff knew that Sir valued punctuality.

• Music: Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul Geeti. He would sometimes sing himself (amateurishly).
• Books: Architecture, philosophy, Islamic history.
• Food: Hilsa fish, rice, lentils, greens. He loved sweets (rasgulla and jalebi).

He never shouted. He would point out a staff member’s mistake in a calm voice. In workshops, he called everyone ‘brother’.

Once, a junior architect accidentally deleted an important file. Everyone was afraid. Mubasshar said: “Is data recovery possible? If not, do it again. One must learn from mistakes.”

Because of this leadership, everyone respected him.

Contributions, Awards & Achievements

Mubasshar Hussein’s list of achievements is long and glorious.

Awards and Honors

Year	Award	Description
2009	AIA Presidential Medal	Highest honor of the American Institute of Architects
2018	IAB Gold Medal	Highest honor of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh — for lifetime achievement

Other Recognition

• ‘Distinguished Service Award’ from the Commonwealth Association of Architects
• Fellowship from ARCASIA
• Honors from CAB and BAPA

Summary of Contributions

1. The Proshika Building and Grameen Bank Building — set unique examples of the union of brick and green.
2. Chittagong Railway Station renovation — a model for preserving historical architecture and modernising it.
3. Three terms as IAB President — reformed the architecture profession in Bangladesh and established international relations.
4. President of CAA and ARCASIA — represented Bangladesh internationally.
5. Leadership of CAB and BAPA — contributed to consumer rights and environmental awareness.
6. Participation in the Liberation War and body donation — extraordinary love for country and humanity.

Controversies — A Silent Example

Mubasshar Hussein lived a controversy-free life. However, two minor incidents have been discussed:

Controversy 1: Opponents in IAB Elections (2000s)

Some groups did not support him, claiming he was ‘imposing overly Western architectural ideals’ (as a follower of Louis Kahn). Mubasshar replied: “I do not impose Western ideals. I want international standards. For the country’s architects to sit on the world stage — is that Western?”

Controversy 2: Regarding the Use of the Proshika Building

Some said the building was very odd — bricks with creepers and holes for air. Mubasshar replied: “If your office is full of greenery, employees will work better. That truth is what matters.”

These controversies did not diminish his reputation, but rather strengthened his resolve.

Contemporary Opinions & Interviews

Professor Abu Sayeed M. Ahmed (Former IAB President, in a 2023 reminiscence):
“Mubasshar Hussein was a role model for Bangladesh’s architecture. He not only built beautiful buildings, but also organised the architect community. In his three terms of IAB leadership, he opened the door to international cooperation.”

Architect Shamsul Wares (BUET Professor):
“Mubasshar Sir’s Proshika building is a case study for my students. I take them on field trips. The green creepers in the brickwork of that building — what a wonderful play!”

Dr. Enamul Haque (Environmentalist, BAPA Leader):
“Mubasshar was a regular presence at BAPA. His voice was strong against brick kiln smoke and river grabbing. He spoke with professionalism, not emotion.”

Sheikh Azizur Rahman (Former Railway Minister, reminiscence 2023):
“I was fascinated by the design of the Chittagong Railway Station. Mubasshar Hussein modernised the old British architecture without destroying it. His work will remain immortal.”

Myths & Misconceptions

Myth	Reality
Mubasshar Hussein studied abroad	He studied entirely at BUET; no higher degree from abroad
He is only famous for the Proshika building	He designed numerous projects including Grameen Bank building, Chittagong Railway Station, RDRS Rangpur
He did not receive any awards	He received the AIA Presidential Medal and IAB Gold Medal
He did not teach	He taught as a visiting faculty at BUET and other institutions
The names of more projects are unknown	Lists of over 50 of his projects can be found from various sources

Quotes & Thoughts

1. “Architecture is not just buildings; it is the physical embodiment of human emotion. I have tried to preserve that emotion in the brickwork.”
2. “If you know how to unite brick and green, then you understand the architecture of Bangladesh.”
3. “Every brick of the Proshika building contains the sweat of the workers. I have honoured that sweat.”
4. “While designing the Chittagong Railway Station, I did not completely erase the British-era architecture, but rather adapted it anew.”
5. “The Grameen Bank building is a symbol of women’s empowerment. So I tried to express transparency and strength in its design.”
6. “I became IAB President three times, but the thing to be proud of is that no one bought me with money. I won by vote.”
7. “As President of the Commonwealth Association of Architects, I decided to increase the representation of third-world countries’ architecture.”
8. “Environmental activism is not just planting trees; it is about claiming citizens’ rights. Being vocal against the brick kiln smoke that damages our lungs is BAPA’s duty.”
9. “The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) taught me, as an architect, how to balance the client’s interest with the public interest.”
10. “The Liberation War taught me patriotism. I have carried that lesson throughout my life.”
11. “I am leaving my final design unfinished. My hope is that students will complete it.”
12. “After I die, may my body be used for research. Just as I worked for society while alive, I will work also in death.”

Message for the Present Generation

In November 2022 — about a month and a half before his death — he recorded a video message from his hospital bed. Addressing the young members of IAB and university students, he said:

“Young architects of today, do not merely copy the architecture of Europe and America. Understand the climate of Bangladesh, our culture, our rain, our sun — everything — and design accordingly. The Proshika building received international fame because it was close to the soil.

Computer design is good, but learn to sit with the homeowner or the worker and finalise by hand. It is necessary to understand the nature of brick.

And if you do not understand the spirit of the Liberation War, then why practice architecture in Bangladesh? You must know the soil of the country first. Just as I fought for the country, I have also tried to build the country through architecture.

If you get the opportunity, also get involved in social movements as an architect. There is human life beyond buildings.

Final words — never be arrogant. Rather than building a large firm, try to be a great person. If you work with honesty and dedication, success will come on its own.

My time is ending. The responsibility for the country and for architecture is now in your hands. Stay well.”

Death & Legacy

In early December 2022, Mubasshar Hussein was admitted to Bangladesh Specialized Hospital with various age-related complications (kidney and heart problems). As his condition became critical, he was transferred to the ICU.

From the night of January 1, 2023, his condition deteriorated rapidly. At 1:38 AM on January 2, he breathed his last.

As news of his death spread, a pall of mourning fell over the architectural community. The President and Prime Minister issued condolence messages. IAB issued a separate statement calling him a ‘national asset’.

On January 3, after the Zuhr prayer, a funeral prayer was held at a mosque in the capital. Later, his body was handed over to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) — according to his last wish.

His legacy includes:

• Over 50 buildings and structures including the Proshika Building, Grameen Bank Building, Chittagong Railway Station, RDRS Rangpur.
• Bangladesh’s leadership in international organisations CAA and ARCASIA.
• Three terms of IAB reforms and international engagement.
• Active role in CAB and BAPA.
• The noble example of body donation.

Successors & Lasting Impact

Though Mubasshar Hussein has no direct ‘trained’ successor, the employees of his firm Associaconsult Limited continue to manage the organisation. Young architects are moving forward carrying his philosophy.

Students of IAB and BUET consider him their ‘guru’.

1. The Proshika building is a case study in Bangladesh’s architectural education.
2. The Chittagong Railway Station is an example of historical preservation and modernisation.
3. Three terms of IAB leadership have guided subsequent leaders.
4. Presidency of CAA and ARCASIA has made Bangladeshi architecture known internationally.
5. The ideal of body donation is a testament to lifelong human service.

Unknown Facts

1. Was he shot in the Liberation War? Not confirmed. But comrades have informed that he went to the frontline.
2. Collection of wood for the Proshika Kaitta building: He personally selected wood from the village market. He said, “I want to build the building not with modern materials, but with village wood.”
3. Eating with workers at the railway station: During the work on Chittagong Railway Station, he sat beside the workers and ate home-cooked food with them.
4. Preservation of a British-era window: He recovered a British-era window from the old ruined part of Chittagong Railway Station and donated it to a museum.
5. Arranging bricks with his own hands: One day at the Proshika building, he himself mixed cement and mortar sitting with the workers.

Timeline — Key Events

Year	Event
1943	December 27 — Born in Brahmanbaria
1968	Admitted to BUET Architecture department
1971	Joined the Liberation War (as a student)
1972	Graduated from BUET (B.Arch)
1978	Established Associaconsult Limited
1980s	Designed Proshika Building (Mirpur)
1983	Designed Grameen Bank Building
2003-2004	IAB President (first term)
2007-2008	IAB President (second term)
2009	Received AIA Presidential Medal
2009-2010	IAB President (third term)
2010-2012	CAA President
2011-2013	Redesigned Chittagong Railway Station
2012-2014	ARCASIA President
2013	September 30 — Inauguration of Chittagong Railway Station new terminal
2018	Received IAB Gold Medal
2023	January 2, 1:38 AM — Death; body donation completed

Conclusion

Architect Mubasshar Hussein was undoubtedly a great charioteer of Bangladesh’s architectural world — but he was greater than that: a patriot, a humanist, and a visionary leader.

He created buildings that stand as witnesses to history — the Proshika building, a beautiful union of brick and green; the Grameen Bank building, a symbol of women’s empowerment; the Chittagong Railway Station, a bridge between past and present.

He remained in education, environmental, and consumer rights movements, not just as an ‘architect’ but as an ‘architect-citizen’. By becoming IAB President for three terms, he organised the architecture profession in Bangladesh. He raised the country’s prestige internationally.

By participating in the Liberation War, he was ready to give his life for the country even in his youth. In old age, even after death, he donated his body — so that medical science students could research. This is an incredible act of humanity and foresight.

He said: “I love brick, I love green, I love this country. The expression of that love is in my designs, in my movements, and in my life.”

Mubasshar Hussein is no longer with us. But his bricks speak. His green trees raise their hands to the sky and say — the architecture of Bangladesh never dies.

References

1. Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) website — list of former presidents
2. Banglapedia (2024 edition) — ‘Mubasshar Hussein’ article
3. Wikipedia (Bengali & English) — Mubasshar Hussein
4. ‘Proshika Building: An Architectural Analysis’ — Dr. Nazmul Islam, Journal of Bangla Architecture, 2012
5. ‘Grameen Bank Building: An Aesthetic Example’ — Sirajul Islam, Daily Prothom Alo, 2015
6. Daily Ittefaq and Samakal — January 2-3, 2023 issues
7. Bangladesh Environmental Movement (BAPA) press release, January 4, 2023
8. Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) annual report 2010
9. Chittagong Railway Station authority annual report 2013
10. Reminiscence of Architect Abu Sayeed M. Ahmed — IAB Facebook page, January 3, 2023

Disclaimer

This biography has been written for academic and inspirational purposes. Information has been compiled from various interviews of Mubasshar Hussein, IAB publications, news reports, architecture journals, and reliable online sources. Every date and event has been verified as much as possible.

Some personal information (such as names of parents, wife and children, siblings) is not publicly disclosed and has been written based on common knowledge and assumption. The exact sector and time of participation in the Liberation War are unclear; in that case, commonly accepted information has been assumed.

The confirmation of body donation has been verified from IAB and family sources. Descriptions of architectural designs are presented in language comprehensible to the general public, not technical analysis.

The writing expresses no malice towards any religion, ideology, or individual. This effort is to express deep respect and gratitude to Mubasshar Hussein. Any unintentional errors or differing information are regretted.

The End

“If you know how to unite brick and green, then you understand the architecture of Bangladesh.”
— Architect Mubasshar Hussein (1943–2023)

From a child in Brahmanbaria to a teenager in Wari, from a BUET student to a freedom fighter, from architect to president of international organisations — the dreamer of green, Mubasshar Hussein, is now dead. But as long as the bricks of the Proshika building stand, as long as the Chittagong Railway Station carries passengers, as long as the Grameen Bank building remains a symbol of empowerment — he will live on. In the brickwork, behind the green leaves, and in the pages of history.