Megasthenes memories of Azam Khan, published in your October 7th issue, was a moving account of a rare and noble person who was in Dhaka in the troubled 1960s. If there were another five persons like him in those days, the history of this part of the world could have been less violent and painful. Even the creation of Bangladesh would have been a peaceful political process, without the widespread killings and destruction, let loose by Tikka Khan (the antithesis of Azam Khan)!
He was an upright gentleman, simple and humble, and above all, a man of principle and character. Going through the article gave me an insight to a great human being, who has passed away, "un-wept, un-honoured and un-sung" by the people, who were always close to his heart, despite all the hate, cruelty and killings by the same Pakistan army, to which, unlike his colleagues, he also belonged, with simplicity, principles, dignity and honour!
Would it not be a noble gesture for us, if our authorities honour the memories of a great man, in recognition of his love and feelings for the Bangladeshis? I leave this to our 'powers to be' to ponder and act upon, better late than never! I pen the following lines to his memory as a very humble tribute, referring to our troubled days in the 1960s:
Of friends, we had few
Few to seek.
True friends were then few
Few to greet.
May Allah rest his soul in peace!