Faraaz Hossain Center launched at CRP

When Faraaz Ayaaz Hossain was a high school student at the American International School of Dhaka, he had to do certain hours of social work per year. He was then attached to the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) in Savar.

“It was not just the social work that he had to do... He went well beyond that. He would dedicate his time for those who are here to help those in need,” recalled Faraaz's elder brother Zaraif Ayaat Hossain.

Faraaz even approached Valerie Taylor, founder of the CRP, as he was inspired by her work and passion.

To honour his memories, Faraaz Hossain Foundation has established Faraaz Hossain Center at CRP with a vision to support people with special needs.

Guests visit the newly-opened centre, Photo: Palash Khan

Three deans -- Dr Joseph Moon, Douglas A Hicks and Kevin Smyrl -- of Oxford College at Emory University in US, where Faraaz was a student, inaugurated the centre on the third floor of Rotary Bhaban at CRP yesterday. 

Faraaz Ayaaz Hossain, 20, along with his friends Tarishi Jain and Abinta Kabir, was dining at Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka on the fateful night of July 1, 2016.

During the attack, the militants, who mostly targeted foreign nationals, asked Faraaz to leave. Faraaz refused to leave his friends behind and was eventually killed along with his friends.

Faraaz, grandson of Transcom Group Chairman Latifur Rahman and Shahnaz Rahman, received posthumous awards and recognitions from global and national organisations for his courage and sacrifice.

“We will try -- in whatever capacity we can -- from the Faraaz Hossain Foundation to continue the work,” Zaraif said at the inaugural programme.

Special-needs children perform songs at the opening ceremony. Photo: Palash Khan

Dean Douglas A Hicks said as Faraaz's teachers, they are very proud to be associated with the legacy of Faraaz, which transcends borders.

“It takes courage to do what you do to see a better tomorrow for these beautiful children,” Hicks said. These children will benefit from this centre, he added.

Special-needs children perform dance at the opening ceremony. Photo: Palash Khan

Dean Joseph Moon recalled the first time he met Faraaz when he was a first-year student at Oxford College. He was a very kind young man with strong ideals and insights, Moon added.

“We have learned over and over again the way Faraaz's life has inspired others,” he said.

Maj Gen (retd) Shafiq-ul Islam, executive director of CRP, said Faraaz Hossain Center will help empower the marginalised patients.

Present at the programme among Faraaz's family members were Latifur Rahman, his grandfather and chairman of Transcom Group; his mother Simeen Hossain and grandmother  Shahnaz Rahman.