Former Bangla school principal dies in Colombo

RIYADH: The former principal of Bangladesh International School-English Section in Riyadh, Mohamed Shaheed Hussein, passed away in Colombo on Friday. He is survived by his wife and four children.
Hussein, a Sri Lankan, served the school as principal for nearly a decade. Before coming to Riyadh, he had worked as a teacher in Oman and the Maldives. When he returned home, Hussein was the provincial director of education for the Sabaragamuwa district on the island. There are only nine provincial directors looking after thousands of schools on the island.
He was well known in the Kingdom for his devoted service, and a popular member of both the Sri Lankan and Bangladesh communities in the capital. He was active in various social activities in his country’s community.
Mohammed Ayub, counselor at the Bangladesh Embassy here, said that he was a “wonderful principal” with a love for children. “As a disciplinarian, Hussein never hesitated to take remedial measures aimed at reforms inside the school,” Ayub said.
Karim Reza, current principal of the Bangladesh school, said his death has shocked the school community. He said Hussein was one of the longest serving members of the institution and admired by teachers, students and parents.
Zainab Iftikar, a Grade 10 student at the school, told Arab News he was not only the principal but an “inspirational leader.” He knew every student at the school, which had more than 1,000 children, she said.
Iftikar said that his death was a loss to the two communities. “We will really miss him,” she said.
Saifudeen Thassim, former vice president of SAMBA, who is currently in Canada, said Hussein was loved by his community. Sri Lankan Ambassador Mohammed Hussein Mohamed said Sri Lanka has lost an erudite scholar.