Remembering Dr. Mohammed Abdul Quassem (1943-2023): An icon in water resource management

Quassem studied Land and Water Development at IHE Delft in 1979, and later pursued a degree program in institutional development at the Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in The Hague. He further earned a doctorate degree from the United States for his research on participatory water management.

Quassem graduated with a degree in civil engineering from the Bangladesh University of Technology and quickly ascended the ranks of the Bangladesh Water Development Board.

During his university years, Quassem was a student leader and an active participant in the Bangladeshi liberation movement. Throughout his illustrious career, he was involved in numerous development projects supported by the Dutch government. He played a critical role in safeguarding the dikes of Dhaka during the severe riverine floods of 1998. His efforts led to his appointment as Director General of the Water Resources Planning Organisation. In his role, he oversaw the mammoth task of formulating Bangladesh’s first Integrated Water Resources Management Plan and associated Water Management Policy.

After retiring, Quassem remained active and played an important role in society, serving as a member, counsellor, and often chairman of various organizations and national committees. He was a well-known figure and was frequently sought out for his advice and expertise, even by the President of his country.

As evidenced by his career and academic achievements, Quassem was known for his deep and broad knowledge of Bangladesh’s complex water resources systems and its management thereof. He had a holistic perspective, supported by his analytical and independent mind, and was unafraid to assume leadership roles. The positions he held aligned with his personality: he was highly approachable, possessed a good sense of humour, and acted as a selfless connector and problem solver, consistently concerned with the well-being of society and its people. Quassem's contributions to the field of water resource management and his commitment to creating a positive impact on society have left a lasting legacy.

Quassem's ties to the Netherlands and IHE Delft were not just professional, but also personal. He formed close relationships with many Dutch professionals and academics, and regularly collaborated with them on research projects and initiatives. Quassem was also a frequent visitor to the Netherlands, where he participated in conferences, seminars, and other events related to water resource management. As a result of his close association with IHE Delft, he became a valued member of the institution's global network of water experts, and was highly respected by his colleagues and peers in the field. Quassem's contributions to the Dutch-Bangladeshi partnership and his efforts to promote international cooperation in the field of water management have left a lasting impact on both countries.

He was aslo a respected source of knowledge for Bangladeshi PhD and MSc students, and served as president of the Netherlands Alumni Association in Bangladesh from many years until his passing. He played a key role in fostering connections between Dutch and Bangladeshi government organizations, facilitating missions to his homeland. He will be remembered as a devoted son of Bangladesh. Quassem's contributions to his field and his dedication to fostering international cooperation leave a lasting legacy.

Quassem will be deeply missed by his colleagues, friends, and the many individuals whose lives he touched through his work and his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of people in Bangladesh and beyond.