Xulhaz Mannan will be missed, but never forgotten

THE heart-felt sentiments expressed by American ambassador Marcia Bernicat are glowing tributes for Xulhaz Mannan that articulate the feelings of all who knew this fine young gentleman… and a gentleman he most definitely was.
While I cannot claim to have known him well, I have known him well enough to proclaim him a gentleman, a man of great compassion, a man who had great love for humanity and an ambassador for Bangladesh.
There is no doubt that Xulhaz was gifted and something special. Inside the hallowed walls of the American Embassy, he was a Godsend to the charity projects I support and give them assistance, both tangible and intangible, without even a sigh of hesitation.
Without being asked, he once edited/re-wrote a proposal I had submitted to the embassy to ensure a greater chance of acceptance. There was not even a hint of expecting something in return for his valuable contribution. I think he was put on this earth to help those in need and this he did willingly without seeking anything in return.
It is tragic that his life ended so young and in the brutal way it did on April 25, 2016. They say, however, that Allah works in many mysterious ways and while Xulhaz is no longer physically among us, perhaps his legacy of truth, honesty, compassion, love for mankind and efforts to structure a society beneficial to all, will inspire us to fight for what is right, whatever the odds or consequences may be. Irish statesman Edmund Burke (1729-1797) once said: "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing".
Xulhaz Mannan will be missed, but never forgotten.
 Sir Frank Peters
Gulshan, Dhaka
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