, Aug. 23 -- Enam Ul Haque and my only child, Shahrin Anwar, were both born on the same day, August 25. But I first learned from Dr. Zakiur Rahman that the date and even the time of birth can be shifted forward or backward. When the time drew near for my eldest grandson Tanzif Raihan's birth, Dr. Rahman asked my daughter, "Tell me, on which date and at what time would you like your child to be born?" I had never before seen a doctor with such a sense of humour. Although I had been fortunate enough to enjoy the wit of his elder brother, nuclear scientist Dr. Rezaur Rahman, with whom I studied in the same department. And their brother Matiur Rahman, the editor of Prothom Alo, is truly unparalleled.

Recalling Dr. Zakiur Rahman's words, the ...