'Faraaz's sacrifice didn't go in vain'
Deputy commissioner of Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Abdul Mannan, told a Prothom Alo roundtable that Faraaz Ayaaz Hossain was the lone protester during the Holey Artisan attack.
"The (militant) attackers told him to flee as he was a Muslim. But, he instead chose to remain with his friends in the jaws of death. He was determined to uphold justice, principles and humanity.
"Sacrificing his life, Faraaz made us understand peace and solidarity is our ideal. His sacrifice didn't go in vain. He let the world know that people of this country can lay down their lives for the sake of peace and tolerance."
Zaraif Ayat Hossain, elder brother of Faraaz, said, "His bravery was like a blaze. This light helped us overcome our painful days. The respect and honour people at home and abroad have shown towards Faraaz strengthened our family."
The terrorist attack that shattered the country and drew global attention, claimed lives of 22 people -- nine Italians, seven Japanese, one Indian, one Bangladesh-born American and two Bangladeshis -- on 1 July 2016. However, this gruesome attack could not erase Faraaz's name.
Faraaz's refusal to desert his friends that led to his killing is now being recognised all over the world.
The Faraaz Hossain Foundation has been set up in his name by his family. The foundation works for distressed people.
The Faraaz Hossain Courage Award was initiated by PepsiCo Global in 2016 and this award will continue until for next 20 years. The awarded recipients get US$10,000, a certificate and a plaque.
To commemorate Faraaz's sacrifice, Faraaz Square was set up on the premises of Boalkhali Sirajul Islam College in Chattogram. A sapling of nageswar was planted at the square.
A scholarship after Faraaz Ayaaz Hossain has been initiated in Daffodil International University. Receiving the award, an under-grade and a graduate student have been studying in the university free.
Fifth NDF BD-RMC DC National Medical College Debate Festival was held at Rajshahi Medical College in memory of Faraaz. Sonali Otit Club organised an inter-university football tournament, Faraaz Challenge Cup.
Pharmaceutical company Eskayef has named one of its factories in Tongi as the Faraaz Ayaz Hossain Building.
The Harmony Foundation named Faraaz Ayaaz Hossain for Mother Teresa Memorial International Award for Social Justice in 2017.
Faraaz's mother Simeen Hossain and elder brother Zaraif Ayaat Hossain received the award conferred posthumously on Faraaz in Mumbai, India.
School of Business of Emory University has recognised Faraaz Hossain as a graduate in 2018 convocation. Faraaz was yet to study two more years to complete his graduation.
The University of Atlanta, USA has introduced 'Faraaz Hossain Core Value Award'. Emory University has set up Hossain-Kabir Room in its Oxford College campus honour of Faraaz Hossain and Abinta Kabir . Yale University of America rewarded Faraaz Hossain for making an inimitable example of humanity.
Garden of the Righteous Worldwide (Gariwo) plants trees to commend and save the memories of people fighting against terrorism and contributing to the welfare of humanity. Italy Ministry of Foreign Affairs is involved in this initiative.
The Milan-based non-profit organisation of Italy established a memorial park in Italy's Embassy in Tunisia on 15 July 2016 in memory of five righteous Arab and Muslim people. A memorial in the name of Faraaz was set and a tree was planted in the park. Faraaz Hossain is the only non-Arab to receive this honour. A tree was planted in Rummo High School in Benevento, Italy, in honour of Faraaz.
Various organisations and libraries in the country have organised a number of seminars in his name. A football tournament was arranged in Siliguri of India. Faraaz Hossain is working with Jago Foundation in various welfare programmes including child education programme.
Faraaz Hossain Centre has been set up in the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) in Savar. This centre is being used as the therapy and recreation centre for the specially abled children. There are arrangements for physiology, speech and occupational therapy at the centre.
Hundreds of children avail this facility every day. Dean Joseph Moon of Emory University, professor Douglas Hicks of theology department, and the assistant dean for Development and Alumni Relations Kevin Smyrl, came to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Centre from the United States.
Faraaz Hossain Foundation has provided all kinds of assistance to more than 20,000 Rohingya who have fled Myanmar. The foundation distrubes warm clothes among people of North Bengal in winter. Faraaz Hossain Foundation is organising regular medical camps including eye camps. Faraaz Hossain Foundation has given eye treatment to more than 10,000 people so far. Of them, more than 500 people were given spectacles after eye surgery.
Faraaz's elder brother, Zaraif Hossain, said, “My mother had big dreams for Faraaz. But she never imagined that Faraaz would become so big that he would be known globally.”
*This report, originally published in Prothom Alo print edition, has been rewritten in English by Imam Hossain and Farjana Liakat