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General Mannaf: A Soldier Passes Away

by MM Rezaul Karim
A relatively less known but widely respected citizen of the country. Major General Mohammad Abdul Man-naf, passed away on the 27th December following a prolonged illness at a premature age of 59.
A disciplined soldier, an astute diplomat and a visionary in the field of education, Man-naf, is regarded to have excelled in all these qualities as a humanist. His standing as a soldier is. no doubt, better known to his fellow soldiers. Even then, those who knew him less know it well that he was best known as a commander, who was obeyed much less by awe than by respect and love. Being a hard task master who would not tolerate inefficiency and indiscipline, the prospect of due appreciation and legitimate reward for a good deed prompted his fellow soldiers to remain alert and active. His ability to instill confidence and infuse pride of performance secured for him the high quality of leadership that he provided.
By all accounts, he was a soldier par excellence. He received best of training one could receive at home and abroad, and showed valour in active duty in the battlefields of the Rann of Kutch and on the Sialkot front during the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war.
Bangabandhu chose him to raise the first Military Academy for the nation and he became Its first commandant. He received distinction as an Instructor in Kakui Military Academy at the same time and along with two other Majors. Ziaur Rahman and Khaled Mosharraf. Mannaf served as Divisional Conimander and
GOC in several places, including the largest one in Chittagong twice. His training as a commando put him in good stead to deal with the insurgency in Chittagong Hill Tracts. As chief of General Staff and as Commandant of the defence and Staff College he also made his mark. President Ershad sent
him on a diplomatic assignment as Ambassador to the Philippines which was followed by similar assignments in Australia and Thailand. As a diplomat, he also acquitted himself well
A significant trait in a man s and specially in a soldier s character is his ability to express opinion, in a caucus, on a vital issue, in a bold and straightforward manner He was endowed with that sterling quality The strong arguments he advanced against imposition of martial law by General Ershad in 1982. along with some other Generals, is a common knowledge to all concerned. Although he ablded the ultimate decision as a true soldier. Mannaf had to pay heavily for what many others regarded it to be an act of Indiscretion. Knowing fully well the possible consequences. nothing could sway him from his principled stand to uphold country's Constitution. democratic norms and people's interests. Ershad apparently respected this independent minded soldier. That is why he wanted to attend ianaja prayers for the deceased General, but could not do so. as he had to turn away from an unfriendly cantonment gate.
Following his retirement. Mannaf devoted his time and efforts to realise his dream to provide the much needed facilities for requisite education for one section of young people who may be groomed to fare well in a competitive world. As Chairman of the celebrated Sunbeams School in Dhaka, he initiated his programmes, but the cruel fate cut short his venture even before he could reallv set out for his task
The much less known aspect of the character of this man was the unassuming stance of his social interactions. He was honest in his dealings, correct in his manners and helpful in his attitude The trait of being a loving husband and affectionate father and grandfather, be trays the softer element of the character of this steely General The passing away of this gifted soldier and adorable man is felt bitterly by al! those who knew him and constitutes a loss to the society