Abinta: a proud bangladeshi
It has been one month since that black night of July 1st when a group of fanatic, deranged and desensitised young men attacked the Holey Artisan Bakery, focusing on killing “foreigners”, supposedly as an act of taking revenge for persecution of Muslims worldwide. As per newspaper reports, most of the Bangladeshis were spared except for Faraaz Hossain, Saiful Chowkidar, and Ishrat Akhond. Along with them Tarishi an Indian national and Abinta Kabir a US citizen were also murdered.
From the numerous rumours about the attack, a story also surfaced about Abinta being killed because she confessed to being an American citizen. Even though there are no eye witnesses to attest that she actually said she was American, every report stated that among those killed were 9 Italians, 8 Japanese, 1 Indian, two Bangladeshi and one American- Abinta.
This narrative has pained her family and surprised those who knew Abinta well. According to them, she was no more an American than you or I. Yes, she had a US passport, but so do many people in our country. A person may take on a foreign nationality for practical reasons, it does not necessarily mean they have renounced the country of their origin and birth
Why is then Abinta being denied her right of Bangladeshi citizenship? Only recently some newspapers have started to refer to her as an American of Bangladeshi origin. The truth is, she was born in Bangladesh, went to live in the US when she was two and returned at the age of 10. She has been living in Dhaka since then, graduated from the American International School in 2015, and left for Canada to study at Emory College as an undergraduate student
But who was Abinta? I did not know Abinta personally, but since her death, I couldn't help but visit her family over and over again in my meager attempt to share in their grief. I have learned that she was a beautiful 19 year old, stunning and intelligent, 5 feet 8 inches tall and a pro basket ball player. She was the only beloved child of her parents. Her grandmother, Nilu Murshed says Abinta could not wait to come home and would jump on a flight the day her exams ended. She loved deshi food, her relatives, friends, her home. She did not mind the chaos, dirt and traffic jams, for her this was home, with all its fault, this is where she belonged and always wanted to be. This is where she dreamt of returning someday and making a difference in the lives of people not as fortunate as her.
At this young age, she had a deep sense of responsibility towards Bangladesh and the people. Her dorm room in college was adorned with a big flag of Bangladesh. In one of her class assignment she writes:
“I am acutely sensitive to the tremendous hardships faced by ordinary people in Bangladesh and also understand that these hardships are a result of many centuries of unplanned growth, strong prejudices and lack of education. I realise and understand that most problems have fairly complex solutions and require concerted planning, widespread education, class action, and substantial funding. I understand the importance of embracing my nation for what it is, and work in every way that I can to improve the quality of life of its people”
Her other passion was basketball. She was given the ball at age 3 and since then became a determined player. Abinta was a joy to watch when she played the game. Like everything else, she gave it her best. Again quoting from one of her writings “When I emerged as the youngest player in the school's history to score the most points in a game, I truly understood what hard work could achieve. From a forward player, I began to be looked up to as someone who would lead on court. My teammates grew to rely on my judgment and my advice. From somebody who was initially intimidated by the skills and talents of the older players, I was now one of the core members. I had come the full circle, and it was only on the basis of my love and undying perseverance to pursue the sport.”
Abinta was brought up in an environment of love, care and respect for others. She was the life of the family and the center of their world. Her grief-stricken grandmother who lovingly called her “tuntun” says, “Abinta lived for only 19 years but during this time she gave us a life time of happiness.” Her mother, her grief is not possible to describe in any language. Her entire world revolved around Abinta. She brought up Abinta, giving her unconditional love but also gave her values that made her into a strong, hard working, confident and socially conscious person.
How does one reconcile with such a loss? Her family asks, why her? There is no answer. No answer to the bigger question of “how did this happen in Bangladesh.” As we commemorate a month of that fateful night we remember all those who lost their lives. We remember with deep gratitude the Japanese men who came to Bangladesh to build our Metro Rail, we remember the Italians who were here to promote business and change people's lives, we remember the pizza chef who is often overlooked in commemorative articles and statements, we remember our 2 brave policemen who gave their lives in an effort to save the hostages.
Finally, Faraaz, Tarishi and Ishrat, you all were precious gifts and could have contributed to society through your work but we failed to protect you. Dear Abinta, I have come to know you through your grandmother and your role model mother. You are like the star that shines and brightens up the sky but remains hidden most of the time. So you are up there but we cannot see you. You are indeed a Bangali, a Bangladeshi. Otherwise, what other 19 year would say “My birthright as a Bangali should be worn as a badge of pride.”
Photos: courtesy
The writer is the Executive Director, Manusher Jonno Foundation
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