In memory of Fazlu Bhai, our respectable icon.

In memory of Fazlu Bhai, our respectable icon.

by Ghulam Suhrawardi 6N

As my sailing experience was limited, I am not as emotional as other alumni of BMA. But, my interaction with this great personality was very personal. Once we got introduced, he took me as his younger brother and kept dictating me. I obliged accordingly and tried to help.

He was not only a great sailor, his contributions were to the country of his origin. BANGLADESH. That is the focal point Fazlu Bhai and I got connected. I got too close to him and Bhabi. Both of them treated me like a younger brother.

He almost died a few times, and I was worried and tried to get his current information. He returned from the hospital and told me he was very much alive and active. I tried to advise him to take care of his health and well-being. But if anyone knows Fazlu Bhai, he does what he pleases.

The chapter ended on his vacation to Turkey. I was distraught and did not know what I could do to console Bhabi. But Bhabi was also not in a good shape to communicate. I spoke to his son, tried to get a lot of information, and offered help. But Fazlu bhai was gone. My heart ebbed accordingly.

I am glad to see Captain Forkanul Quader (6N), Zillur Rahman (25E), and others revive the memory of our dear Fazlu Bhai.

If he were alive today, he would be the happiest person to see what happened in Bangladesh. Long considered a renegade, he did not visit Bangladesh despite my repeated requests.

He used to call me at my USA number so many times. Sometimes, I would not pick up the phone, afraid he would continue talking to me for hours. All I can tell is that Fazlu Bhai and Bhabi loved me and my wife and took us as their nearest relatives. I cannot forget that forever.

I used to warn him to take care of his health. He would rebut me saying, Suhrawardi, I am fine and healthy. But Bhabi felt otherwise.

I helped edit and hid daring thoughts in a book format; “Bangladesh: My dream”.

[https://themaritimeblog.org/2018/11/bangladesh-my-dream-captain-fazlur-rahmans-book-launching-ceremony-in-london/]

It may not have been a perfect book, but it did reflect the views of a person who loved Bangladesh. He literally traumatized me while editing the book. But looking backwards, I feel, my time spent with his endeavor was worth the best of my life.

I think Fazlu Bhai should have been buried in Bangladesh, perhaps in the Chattogram BMA. That way, we could show our respect every time we visit our beloved academy. I appreciate Zillur Rahman bringing Fazlu Bhai to the fore and opening up a wound that has a satisfying feeling. A feeling of brotherhood.

At this juncture, I would like the BMA alumni to look inward and do things to help our academy and the camaraderie amongst the alumni.