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Symbols of ethics and courage
PHOTO: COURTESY
Legacy is best exemplified by the way others speak of someone, after they have passed away. I am constantly reminded by both my grandfather, Mr Latifur Rahman, and my brother Faraaz, that a life well lived defines itself by the way those around you remember you once you are no longer among them.
Although we miss both Nana Bhai and Chotoo immensely, they both remain as symbols of ethics and courage, every day. The way they are remembered not just by us, their family, but by those we meet throughout our lives, remember the two of them in the most glowing light. This is their legacy.
Three years since Nana Bhai passed away, his example of ethics shines brighter every day. He began building Transcom 50 years ago, he built it to last for generations. However, his success goes beyond business, he was most proud of the father, husband and grandfather he was. At the core of everything he did was an unwavering sense of integrity and honesty. It is not just Transcom, which he has set on a path to outlast generations, but a value system which will forever remain core to his legacy. His mark on this world in the form of both business and his family, live on. The lessons he taught, the examples he set and the vision he had remains as a guiding light. Everything continues to and will unfold the way he intended it to; that is how he lives on among us.
Seven years and Faraaz is still not forgotten as a loving son, brother, grandson, friend and for his courage. The outpour of love for Faraaz from across the world has not lessened after all of these years. A life lost at the age of 20, but a life that stands taller far beyond those years. He continues to bring the hearts he touched together; to this day we are immensely proud to be known as Faraaz’s mother, grandmother and brother. Just yesterday a fellow classmate from Emory flew down to Dhaka just to pay respect to Faraaz before July 1, bringing along beautiful memories, notes and pictures from his days as a college student. His legacy outlives him as he continues to serve as a moral compass for all those who loved him, an example of standing up for what is right, especially in the darkest times. We miss him terribly, yet stories of Faraaz as a jovial boy, to the story of his sacrifice on the night of the attack, bring a sense of pride just remembering the exceptional young man he was. He leaves an impression with not just us who loved him, but also those who have come into our lives after he left us. His act of bravery shines brighter ever today and continues to connect the hearts of those who loved him along with those who came to know him after his passing.
While Nana Bhai left a void when he passed away, and Faraaz’s life ended suddenly at such a tender age, they live on in our hearts. Memories with them never fail to bring smiles to our faces, nor do they fail to teach us on how to live a meaningful life.
Life is filled with inexplicable circumstances, but I can’t help but believe that some of them have a touch of destiny to it. Nana Bhai and Chotoo had a special bond, which they shared with nobody else but each other. They passed away on the same day, July 1, just four years apart and it is without a doubt that together they watch over those they loved while being symbols of ethics and courage.