Barrister Mainul- a shining example of integrity

Abul Kashem Haider :

Barrister Moinul Hossain was an educated, conscientious, and decent human being. He always worked in favor of citizens’ rights and democratic freedoms.

During the establishment of BAKSAL in 1975, he did not become a member of BAKSAL. He fought throughout his life to uphold and invigorate democracy.

His death is a great loss for all who believe in democracy. We are deeply saddened by his passing. We pray for the salvation of his soul.

I have many memories with him. I organized many seminars and symposiums about him. When he became an adviser to the caretaker government, I formed the Private University Association.

I was its founding vice chairman, and Commodore Ataur Rahman was the chairman. At that time, I went to meet him. The Private University Act of 1992 was enacted first, and amended in 1998.

The government then took an initiative for further amendments. I went to discuss some legal aspects with him. After a long discussion—since he was a man of law—he said he would talk to Education Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman.

I had dinner at his house, and we discussed various issues. His hospitality and courtesy reflected that he was indeed the son of Manik Mia. He was a shining example of integrity.

Political integrity is a very big thing—and he possessed it. The integrity of speech, not lying, not deceiving, not engaging in fraud, not encroaching on others’ rights—these are far more valuable than merely not taking bribes. He embodied these extraordinary qualities.

He used to write articles occasionally; I read those articles. He wrote beautifully. I read his writings in Jugantor, Ittefaq, and The Daily Star. As Manik Mia’s ideal son, he lived up to that legacy. He never accepted one-party rule; he always believed in multiparty democracy.

(The writer is Former Vice President, FBCCI)