Like
millions of people in Bangladesh and around the world, I am deeply
saddened and utterly shocked by the unexpected and sudden demise of our
dear brother Rafique Bin Sayeede Bulbul. I am still finding it difficult
to comprehend that he is no longer with us.
Bulbul
was a true heir to his father, the world renowned Islamic scholar
Allama Sayeede. Few people have managed to be in a position to become
the true heir to their father. Bulbul had the charisma, talent, skill
and the melodious voice his father is so famous for and inherited the
quality of mesmerising his audience with his style of delivery, backed
up with knowledge and conviction. It is really amazing how much he sounded like his father.
Its like a young Allama Sayeede speaking. No wonder he became known as the 'Second Sayeede'.
Bulbul
not only became extremely popular and well known in Bangladesh but also
amongst the Bangladeshi diaspora around the world. Only last month, he
toured Europe and America to deliver his speech at various mahfils. He
was the rock of his family, the one who gave strength to his family
during the difficult period his family has been enduring over the last 2
years. With his passing, there is no one to fill that gap now.
I
know Bulbul for over 30 years since his teen years. He had a gentle
approach, always similing and always welcoming. I don't remember a time
when I didn't see him smiling. A man of such versatile quality, he was
not only a great orator, but also a great TV personality. His programme
'Shorol Poth' in Diganta TV is a testament of that. In addition, he was
also an
entrepreneur, setting up number of businesses. At the same time, he was
the Chairman of Allama Sayeede Foundation and was involved with number
of other social organisations as well. Therefore, it is very clear what a
great person he was.
His untimely demise is
not only a great loss for his family but also to the BDIM and the Muslim
ummah. His absence will be felt by everyone who have benefited from his
wisdom and wit. Although he was younger than me, I came to respect him
for what he became - a true Dayee Ilallah. He dedicated his life to
promote Islam and the Islamic way of life within people through his
powerful and engaging lectures.
I spoke to his
younger brother Shameem Sayeede on Wednesday. Shameem was so shocked by
his brother's death that he could barely speak as his voice was choking
with emotion. Shameem told me that his mother has been affected the
most, which is very natural. With her beloved
husband in jail on false allegations, having to witness her dear son's
untimely death is very difficult to bear for any mother. Shameem told me
that his mother was loosing consciosness every so often out of shock
and trauma.
Also, we now know that a great man like Allam Sayeede has also been
affected by this, as is natural for any father who had to see his own
son's death. Allam Sayeede is currently in intensive care at BIRDEM
hospital. I join everyone in prayers to Allah to give this great family
of Allama Sayeede the ability and the patience to bear this difficult
time and to give them rahmah and barakah and provide peace and
tranquillity in their heart, ameen. I also pray to Allah for Allama
Sayeede's speedy recovery.
Finally,
I join everyone in prayers for the immediate release of all our leaders
who are wrongfully in jail and are suffering, especially my beloved
father Prof. Ghulam Azam, who is the only person not have been given
division and is kept in solitary confinemet with not even a quran to
read. May Allah shower them with His blessings and bring them back to us
as soon as possible, ameen.