With his sad demise my heart is aching and aching bad. I would like to say so many things but do not know where to start from. Flashbacks are vivid, fast and sweet. I am trying to write about a person larger than life.
I knew him from the time they lived at the Nilkhet staff quarters. His elder brother Bhashon was a friend of mine. Bhashon took good care of both his younger brothers. Mishuk also took good care of the little one, like a toy to play with. Their father had died in the liberation war and Bhashon tried to fill in the gap. They were a very friendly bunch, including their mother. As I remember, Mishuk mostly had a sweet smile and was always joyous, intelligence oozed out. He is one lad I knew who was so well-groomed that to me he was second to none. He never lost sight of respecting elders irrespective of social status. His mannerism was impeccable. He vibrated with a lot of energy, life and vision. Took very keen interest in anything he felt for. A lad, who seldom looked behind, was always positively seeing things and going forward.
Last summer I was in Toronto. I went into a Bangali shop for some tit- bits. Suddenly, I heard my name called from behind. I turned to see a known face but could not recollect the name. I never imagined seeing Mishuk there in my wildest dreams. It was a pleasant surprise. There he was, tall, dark and outstandingly handsome and with that same innocent smile. That lad was now a man with grey hair, big mustaches and it was looking good on him too. It was like an old man, Mishuk fitted into a young body. It was a wonderful moment to see him there and that he recognised me from behind was a joy for me. It only goes on to reflect how much love and respect he had for me to remember me after so many years, and in a foreign land.
We had coffee together with some of his acquaintances and recollected the good old days. He even got me connected with Bhashon (who was at that time in New York). It was one of the good days I spent in Toronto.
Today when I saw the news of his accident on the TV, my breath almost stopped, my heart was sinking. I never experienced this feeling before. I wanted to scream at the top of my voice and say that it was not true. He is not my brother or a blood relation but I felt I lost somebody very dear to me.
I am sure many like me felt the same way. He was a very lovable and respectable young lad. I will always have him in my prayers and I am sure many more will also pray for him for a long time. I am a man of inadequate vocabulary to use to give solace to the bereaved family, but I pray to Allah that
He be kind to the family and give them courage to accept his untimely death and so that they can move on in life as he did after losing his father. Amen.
Coming to the issue of road accidents; it is not something new in that spot or other places. Many people have died at that spot. Unfortunately for this country, so far no politician has taken the matter up in the right earnestness. When the world is doing research to improve the standard of living, the politicians and the people with power in this country are busy making money.
When will some sense dawn upon them to do the right thing? This is a small country with lovely people, why don't the people in the government want to do good to this country? Interestingly, they do not refrain from tall talks. How much money does one need in the grave? Mishuk went with none in his wallet but with a lot of Doa to place in front of Allah (SWT).
It is not a wild thought to have expressways connecting the districts. It is also not an impossibility to have elevated highways. If the government is worried about funds, take highway surcharge like the Jamuna surcharge and build the roads and help reduce these accidents. The guy pinched only knows how much it hurts.
May Allah rest his soul in peace along with his companions and give courage and patience to his family to put up with the loss. Amen.
SM Nasimul Haque
Our dearest friend and colleague Mishuk Munier died in a tragic car crash on Saturday in Bangladesh. He was working with the renowned filmmaker Tareq Masud who was also killed in the accident along with three others.
Mishuk was a brother to all of us at The Real News. We called him TRNN employee 001. He was the first person to work with me on the project, starting in 2004. He fought tirelessly and was a critical reason why TRNN became a reality.
Mishuk had recently taken up a new job in Bangladesh, partly to be closer to his mother. We saw him only two weeks ago in New York. He was excited about building a TV news channel in his homeland and exploring new technology, his second passion after documentary film. I remember his smile so vividly as he told us about his new adventures. One consolation is we had the chance to give him a hug and kiss before we lost him.
We all loved Mishuk. He was a man of great integrity, profound social conscience and with a deep love for people. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife and son. Monjuli and Shurid are part of our extended family, and they always will be.
Sometime soon, we will join the family in holding a memorial service in Toronto with Mishuk's many friends and colleagues. For now, if you have messages for the family, we will pass them on.
Mishuk died doing what he loved most. In the field, shooting a documentary film. Our hearts our broken, he will be greatly missed.
Paul Jay
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