Saifuddin Manik no more

Saifuddin Manik's death on Sunday, at the age of 69, will be mourned by all those who believe in the observance of decency in politics and care for morality and ethics. He was honest and dedicated to the cause of the poor, and, above all, he was a man of firm conviction -- something that emanated from his political ideology. Regrettably, such men are so rare in our political arena today that politics, little wonder, has lost much of its credibility as a noble calling.
Saifuddin Manik had a glorious career as a student leader and politician, and was associated with all the defining moments of our history, including active participation in our Liberation War in 1971. He was motivated by a deep sense of patriotism and commitment to the people. He was a product of the tumultuous 1960's when the very best sons of the soil joined politics to fight for the legitimate cause of the subjugated Bengalees.
He was a truly multi-faced personality. A first rate sports organiser, he was a footballer of repute and his highly sporting attitude was reflected on all his pursuits during his lifetime.
He was never into politics of opportunism; he never deviated from his chosen path. He was a leftist right from the beginning and remained so till his death. The position of such politicians is usually not high on the popularity scale. But to Saifuddin Manik principles were more important than making progress along the corridors of power.
So, the death of a much-revered politician like Saifuddin is more than just losing one more individual from amongst us. Today, corruption is the gravest problem facing the country and the politicians themselves are accused of having patronised it on an unprecedented scale. Obviously, the nation is in desperate need of honest and clean politicians to rescue it from the abyss of irregularities and anomalies. The example that Saifuddin Manik set by leading a simple and honest life should inspire our upcoming politicians to place the country and its people above their own interests.
We condole his death and express our deepest sympathy for the members of the bereaved family.