Our Taufiq

He was a true Muslim in his faith and deeds, though he used to say that he is not a practicing one. He never told a lie, nor cheated anybody. He was of neat habits. He helped the poor. He hated bribery. We suffered once for a long delay in our telephone reinstallation because expediting needed greasing of palms, which he refused to do.

Taufiq was a perfect example of a nice family man. The Hadith, says, 'He is good amongst you, who is good for his family.' This perfectly applied to him. He was for us in sickness and in health, always. He was very particular and regular in attending namaz-e-janaza of his friends and relations. Even when he was unwell he made attempts to join the funeral prayer, no matter where the place may be. One of the Hadith says that pay the labourer for his toil before his sweat dries. Taufiq practiced this literally. He was a good task master. He paid the worker handsomely and promptly.

He was commissioned in Pakistan Air Force in 1957 in flying branch. He served the force in different capacities and came to Bangladesh in 1974 on repatriation from Warsak camp in Peshawar, Pakistan, with his family and colleagues to serve the newborn state with full sense of patriotism. He held many responsible portfolios during his tenure of service and retired as Group Captain in 1976 with excellent service record. He was a perfect soldier and fought with death till last but had to give up and surrender because the Almighty so desired.

He actively participated in scout activities as a student, and then gave voluntary service to the movement as adult leader at national level. His influence made us a Scout and Guide family. Because of early scout training he was of regular habits, thrifty, with helping attitudes and available for service to the community and the country.

He was a considerate husband, loving father, father-in-law and grandfather. He highly appreciated his children's academic achievements and celebrated their success with gifts of his choice. He used to buy gifts for each member of the family for each occasion with special care and was always ready with them before the due dates.

He was very fond of his son-in-law Alamgir, who in turn seemed proud of such a father-in-law. Taufiq appreciated his honesty, integrity and professional wisdom. Alamgir used to bring best available eateries for him from abroad which he enjoyed as long as was well. His daughter-in-law, Julie, regularly served him his daily soup and less spicy soft good during his last days.

Taufiq used to manage his affairs by himself. Even when he was sick we required his advice and involvement for his treatment. He understood the graveness of his illness and co-operated to get well and be on his feet again. But alas! That was not to happen.

We met in 1957 and were soon blessed with two decent children, our endearing daughter Lubna, and a son, responsible Osama, and separate by cruel death in 2005. What a wonderful life we had together! Visiting places, living simple ideal family life with two healthy children in peace and contentment.

Trials and tribulations did come our way but we overcame them by the grace of God. The war of 1965 when he was in Air Force as bomber crew, imprisonment in 1972 in a camp at Warsak (Pakistan), repatriation to Bangladesh, disturbances in 1975 and after, all came and went -- we faced them together. We have friends in and outside our country but the enemy within -- liver cirrhosis -- did the mischief and took him away from us.

All his nephews and nieces were very fond of him and made it a point to see us whenever they visited Dhaka. He was a loving mama, chacha, khalu and phupha to all. None of them failed to call us during our difficult days. God bless them all!

He leaves behind three grand-children Shehriyar, Iram and Zaheen who love and idolize him.

By the grace of God he was fortunate to be present in two of his grand-children's high school graduations. He deeply regretted not being able to travel the distance to witness his eldest grandson's University graduation in Indiana, USA, but Taufiq swelled with pride knowing Shehriyar had completed his education and had joined his father's company. His grand daughter, Iram, who was very close to Taufiq will miss him tremendously at her graduation from York University, Canada. She had always prayed and hoped her dear friend, her beloved Nana would be there by her side as she takes her next step in life. His youngest grand-child, Zaheen who just started school, will miss knowing a great human being. However, the fact that Taufiq is forever gone is an idea alien to him and Zaheen is waiting for his Dada to return with bated breath. But the love and affection he grave these three dear ones are enough to last them a life-time!

Life will be so empty without him with no one to look up to for guidance and advice. I used to ask him for every small matter, unable or unwilling to make any person decisions. I felt like asking his preference for his place of burial when Osama came to ask for my choice.

Taufiq always talked in detail and explained things thoroughly but made short notes when conveying, avoiding unnecessary details, using proper words. He used to make me read out his dictation to check whether they say exactly what he intended to convey. It happened during his last bout with the dreadful disease when he was unable to sit for long periods and write himself. So I think any write-up about this wonderful person should be short, appropriate, to the point and to his liking.

But I do not know how to make short the wonderful qualities of this man who mattered so much to me and his children. They tried their best to get him well and make his last days as comfortable as possible. They provided a wheel chair to keep him mobile, widened doors and cubicles and removed barriers to allow free movement in our home for him and his chair. They tried to find various ways to make him happy and cared for till his last days.

He was a perfect example of simple and an appreciable life style. We felt so safe under his umbrella f love. Now what is left for us is an empty home full of rooms where he is absent, a vacant chair from where he is missing and bed with no partner to share and no hope ever to be filled!

Today is his Chehlum. I do not think it will be too much to ask my readers to continue their prayers for this humble but great human being from the depth of their hearts. Pray we are able to practice what he taught us through his deeds. May God make an honourbale place for this dearly departed in heaven. God bless you all!