A tribute to Samad Azad

His death has drawn a curtain on an illustrious and eventful political career spanning over more than six decades. He was not only the first foreign minister of independent Bangladesh, he was also the immediate past one. His contributions to the liberation war came in the shape of mobilising support for Bangladesh's cause around the globe.

Since his political career spanned basically all the major events in our national politics, from language movement in 1952 to liberation war in ‘71 to democratic movement of ‘90, he was there right at the forefront as an active participant. He had a great sense of humour, positive nature and a rare capacity to reach out to other political parties. He cultivated a very warm and friendly relationship with his political opponents, a rarity across the political spectrum today. He will no doubt be missed there.

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Abdus Samad Azad possessed the old guard trait of being forthcoming, communicative and affectionate to the people he met. He was widely respected by the other political parties. Though he had an amicable nature of being a mediator, he always stuck to his guns when it came to his political beliefs and principles. A great follower of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and an ardent follower of Awami League ideals, his loyalty to his leader and party would be remembered for ever.

We mourn the demise of a person who strongly believed in democracy and fought for it unswervingly. Our heart goes out in sympathy for the members of the bereaved family.