Elegy for Himu
Isolation and loneliness aggravated Himaloy Himu’s sufferings, and his untimely death by suicide may have been averted by providing him with proper psychological support, said speakers at a programme yesterday in the capital.
Bangladesh Garments Shramik Sanghati Andolan and Bangladesh Chhatra Federation jointly organised the programme in remembrance of Himu -- a volunteer who rescued many victims during the Rana Plaza collapse -- at the Sirajul Islam Lecture Hall in Dhaka University.
Nawshad Hossain Himu, fondly known as Himaloy Himu by his friends, was found on fire by neighbours outside his rented house at Birulia in Ashulia around 9pm on April 24, the sixth anniversary of the disaster.
“We have created a society in which we cannot even sense that people are becoming lonely day by day. May be we are too busy, but we need to be connected with each other, talk with each other. Otherwise, we will lose such active souls like Himu, who wanted to change this world through their work,” said Samina Luthfa, a Sociology professor at DU.
Speaking at the programme, Himu’s cousin Arman Babu said they are responsible for Himu’s death too.
“Had the persons closest to him understood his loneliness, it would have been possible to see him alive.
We could have gone to him and supported him,” said Babu, as tears ran down his cheeks.
Hridoy, an injured labourer of Rana Plaza tragedy, said they are still alive because of people like Himu -- who risked their own lives to rescue the victims.
“It was not the army or firefighters, rather it was general people and volunteers like Himu who rescued us on that day. Our society needs more people like Himu bhai,” Hridoy added.
Earlier, people from different walks of life placed flowers at his portrait, while a documentary on him was also screened.
On the fateful day on April 24, 2013, Himu rushed to Savar and rescued trapped workers and recovered bodies throughout the 17-day rescue operation.
He later worked for the rehabilitation of injured victims.
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