US ambassador remembers ‘selfless, inspirational’ LGBT activist Xulhaz on first death anniversary

US Ambassador in Dhaka Marcia Bernicat has remembered Xulhaz Mannan on his first death anniversary.

“Selfless, loving, inspirational: these are some of the words friends use to describe Xulhaz Mannan, a dedicated colleague, loyal friend, and fierce champion of human rights who was brutally murdered in April 2016,” she wrote in an op-ed titled ‘remembering a friend’.

“He was not just my colleague; he was my friend and part of the US Embassy family,” Bernicat wrote as she shared the “tremendous impact he continues to have on all of us who were fortunate to know him”.

Also known for his gay rights activism, Xulhaz worked at the US embassy in Dhaka for nearly a decade.  The ambassador said she was killed by terrorists “misguided by an ideology of hatred alien to both Islam and Bangladesh”.

Then the US president Barack Obama wrote to his family mourning the death and expressing support. Police so far have arrested two suspects.

Selfless

“Xulhaz lived a selfless life, working tirelessly to shape a society to be more diverse and inclusive,” the ambassador wrote.

“Whether at work, with friends, strangers or in the privacy of his own home, he put others before himself. Colleagues at the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development regarded him with special affection.

“Even today, colleagues smile when they recall how Xulhaz worked for two years with a community organization without compensation, recognition, or expectation of reward.

“The value he placed on human relationships far outweighed that of money.  In fact, he shared money willingly.  Generous in spirit and in kind, Xulhaz exemplified true Bangladeshi hospitality and selflessness.

“When he died, tributes to his loving nature poured in from around the world.

“A theme emerged – he welcomed newcomers to Bangladesh arriving from all corners of the globe and took the time to introduce them to all that is wonderful about this country.  We continue to hear from people whose lives he touched," Bernicat went on.

Loving

She said Xulhaz was also “a loving person”. He treated everyone with the highest amount of respect and love and showed great enthusiasm in all that he did.

“He loved not only his friends and colleagues, but the arts, flowers, and plants–so much so that he planted a banana tree in his basement!

“Xulhaz made those around him feel special without even saying a word.  His actions, friendship, and almost never-ending smile instilled a sense of happiness and positivity that words alone can’t describe.  Xulhaz loved life, just as he loved those around him and his country.”

Inspirational

“Despite threats and verbal abuse by those who did not know him, Xulhaz refused to leave the country he loved or abandon the society he had fought so hard to improve,” the ambassador wrote.

“Bangladesh was his home.  Friends share that during the spring of 2016, Xulhaz felt empowered and determined to bring about the change he sought.  That courage lives on.  Today, he inspires us to fight for what is right whatever the odds or consequences”.

She ended the write-up by describing Xulhaz as family.

“Xulhaz is family.  He was utterly devoted to his cherished mother, a friend and true confidant of his siblings, and a loving uncle to their children.

“As his other family, we at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka recommit ourselves to continue his efforts–and our collective efforts–to uphold human rights and make sure each and every person has an equal opportunity to fulfill their full potential in life, regardless of race, gender, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or personal beliefs.

“That is my goal, and I live every day of my life fighting for those I love: friends, colleagues, fellow citizens, and my family,” the ambassador concluded.