Tears for Azad

. PHOTO: AFP

There is an inexplicable, rare, yet wonderful phenomenon that takes place in our human society from time to time. Once in a while, out of the endless sea of humanity, rise the enlightened face of a few men and women like beacons in a stormy sea by which a lost sailor might navigate his ship home. They speak out-- their voices hanging in the air far above the chaotic and often cruel symphony of life like perfectly struck chords. They're simple people-- like and you me-- but they're also special. They stand up for truth and fight for justice-- even when that is an unfashionable and potentially lethal thing to do. They're tireless in their goals to better our lives. They're self-effacing- easily embarrassed by all the accolades they're given. Yet, they're totally incapable of dimming the aura that surround them, and when you stand near them you feel the heat of the sun. They possess qualities that seem magical, mystical and divine. They embody all that is good in us. They personify the better nature of humanity, and stand in stark contrast to all that is inhuman. Perhaps, it is because of this that such men (and women) are crucified, shot, or hacked to death.

The great English writer E. M. Forster once spoke of such men and women. And, at this moment of my grief, lacking the words and eloquence that are only too appropriate when speaking of such people, I'll simply paraphrase Forster: "I believe in aristocracy," Forster once wrote, "…not an aristocracy of power, based upon rank and influence, but an aristocracy of the sensitive, the considerate and the plucky. Its members are to be found in all nations and classes, and all through the ages, and there is a secret understanding between them they meet. They represent the true human tradition, the one permanent victory of our queer race over cruelty and chaos. Thousands of them perish into obscurity, a few are great names. They are sensitive for others as well as for themselves, they are considerate without being fussy, their pluck isn't swankiness, but the power to endure and they can take a joke."

Professor Humayun Azad was a scholarly gentleman. His death is indeed a loss to the nation . It is really unfortunate that he had to undergo so much of agony in the last six months of his life.

Radyan Rahave On e-mail

Dr. Azad's death does not seem to be a natural one. He was cleared off any ailment before his departure for Germany. There is a missing piece in the jigsaw puzzle! The report states that heart attack was the cause of his death. We would like to know the details of his sudden death.

Waheeda Alam Toronto, Canada

Somebody informed me of his death, I felt so disturbed, so depressed that I wished I could die instead of our dear Sir. Aren't we responsible for his death? Haven't we failed to ensure his security? We wanted to show that we had done much. But Dr.Humayun Azad could realise that he was walking fast toward death.

One of the few fearless voices that could roar in the days of crisis has been silenced.

Alam Sheikh Sabiha On e-mail

Dr. Humayun Azad died a natural death. He is reported to have suffered a heart attack in a distant land.

But it is not unusual or unjustified for his family members to smell foul play, given what they have seen in the last six months.

AF Rahman On e-mail

The most unexpected death of Professor Humayun Azad is a big loss for a nation like ours. The proposition of democracy is freedom of thought, speech & writings. As Bangladesh is going ahead to pave the podium of democracy in every aspect of the state, the demise of Professor Azad will inevitably defer our continuous progression on this path .

Kumar Kajol BBA (Management), University Of Dhaka