

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un
(To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return)
Obituary
On 27th January 2025 - 0421hrs, we lost A K M Farooq - full birth name: Abul Khair Muhammed Farooq, also known as: Babu, Prince, Nana, Dada, Boro Mama, Ambassador Farooq, and Papa - at Hoag Irvine Hospital in Orange Country, California, USA. He passed away with family members by his side and on the phone after a battle with kidney and old age complications.
Please be patient with us as we document important moments and accomplishments throughout his life. Your posts on the Memory Wall will also help us fill in the missing blanks.
Early Life
Abul Khair Muhammed (AKM) Farooq was born in Faridhpur on March 10, 1941 (later registered to be February 1, 1943) and spent much of his childhood at his ancestral home in Agalpasha Village, Jhalakathi. His father, Abul Khair Muhammed (AKM) Hashem, was a teacher and school headmaster, and his mother was Matia Begum. As the eldest son in a family of eight children, he bore great responsibilities from a young age. His father was the school headmaster while he was studying at Rajshahi Collegiate School. During these teenage years, Farooq faced the profound loss of his father due to complications from a ruptured gallbladder. In the wake of this tragedy, Farooq stood by his mother’s side, becoming a pillar of support for his siblings and embracing the role of a caretaker and provider for the family.
Despite these early hardships, Farooq passed his intermediate exams and graduated from the Rajshahi Collegiate School in 1956. He continued as a History Honors student at Dhaka University, where he earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in History by 1962. His aspiration to join the Civil Service was delayed due to age restrictions, leading him to take a teaching role at Faujdarhat Cadet College, near Chittagong, a historic public military high school being the first of its kind in Bangladesh (then East Pakistan), modelled after public schools in the UK. In 1964, he successfully passed the Civil Service examinations, joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the 1965 batch.
A Distinguished Diplomatic Career
Farooq embarked on an esteemed diplomatic career, beginning with his first overseas posting in Bangkok, Thailand, in 1968 as an officer at the Pakistan Embassy. During the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, he played a critical role in supporting the Bengali community in Thailand, eventually contributing to the establishment of the first Bangladesh mission in Thailand.
Over the next three decades, Farooq held key diplomatic positions in New Delhi, Canberra, Islamabad, Brussels, Jeddah, Jakarta and Beijing, rising to the rank of a Senior Secretary for the Foreign Ministry by the time of his retirement in 2001. He served as the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Indonesia, China and also when deputised to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah. When stationed in Dhaka, he had the privilege to serve as the Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a position in which he oversaw high-level diplomatic engagements and meticulously planned both inbound and outbound state visits. Whether facilitating Bangladesh’s engagements abroad or welcoming visiting dignitaries, Farooq had a natural ability to ensure seamless and dignified interactions. His career was defined by his unwavering dedication to Bangladesh, navigating changes in political leadership while maintaining the country’s interests at the heart of his work. His diplomatic finesse ensured that Bangladesh was well represented on the world stage.
His career took him to every corner of the globe. There are not many that can claim to have travelled to North Korea on official business, let alone 3 times, or paid a visit to Laos before the Communist revolution. Those who visited his Dhaka residence could not miss the rows upon rows of framed photographs proudly on display—an extraordinary visual archive of the global figures he had met throughout his career. Affectionately dubbed “Farooq’s Museum” by family members, these photographs told the story of his remarkable journey through diplomacy. Among them were photos with Nelson Mandela, Pope John Paul II, Indira Gandhi, Muhammad Ali, then-Prince Charles, President Soeharto, Aga Khan, and Yasser Arafat, to name but a few. These were not just photographs but reminders of the role he played in Bangladesh’s presence on the international stage.
Family and Personal Life
He married Nazni Rahman in 1968, daughter of Md. Hafizur Rahman, who served as a member of the Civil Service of Pakistan and was a Central Cabinet Minister in the Pakistan Government. He is also survived by his 3 children:
- Shenaz Farooq, married to Saeed Karim and residing in Irvine, CA, USA .
- Shehriyar Farooq, married to Karishma Huda and residing in Central Coast, NSW, Australia.
- Shehdeen Farooq, married to Sandra Yeh and residing in Sydney, NSW, Australia.
He is also a proud grandfather to:
- Tia Karim (22 years)
- Riana Karim (16 years)
- Zain Farooq (14 years)
- Aydin Farooq (10 years)
- Amarah Farooq (10 years)
- Kian Farooq and Rayan Farooq (5 years) - the Twins!
As a beloved brother, he is also survived by Nilufar Begum, AKM Mamoon and AKM Masoom, and as a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews. Among those waiting to welcome him in the next life are his sisters who have gone before him: Mumtaz Begum, Shahjadi Begum, Mahmuda Begum and Nargis Begum. They were always close to his heart, and now, in a place beyond time and distance, they are together once more.
In his final years, Farooq was lovingly cared for by his devoted daughter, whose compassion and dedication provided him comfort and joy. His passing leaves a profound void but also a legacy of kindness, dignity and service that will continue to guide his family and friends.
Pre-burial
If you would like to attend a viewing of A K M FAROOQ at 9:30am before he departs for his final resting site, please contact Shenaz (Moina), Shehriyar (Bambi) or Shehdeen (Chotku) for further details.
Gallery


























































Memory wall
Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun.
Farooq was a dear friend. Our bonds of friendship gathered strength when Farooq and I joined the Civil Service Academy, Lahore in 1966 as Probationer officers respectively in the Foreign Service and Civil Service of the then Pakistan. During that period we were also room-mates for some time in the CSA dormitory.
Our friendship gained further strength when I joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the newly emerged sovereign Bangladesh.
Farooq served as Chief of Protocol in the Ministry for more than one stint meticulously planning and implementing details of state visits to Bangladesh of Kings, Presidents and Prime Ministers from friendly countries as well as our Presidents and Prime Ministers during their state visits abroad. He always performed his job with remarkable confidence, composure and poise.
I have many happy memories of working with him in close friendly cooperation. One occasion needs particular mention. In 1985 I was tasked with organizing the First SAARC Summit as its Chief Coordinator. I fondly remember the unstinted support and close cooperation that I received from Farooq in his capacity as Chief of Protocol. His hands on that occasion was more than full with as many as six visiting heads of Government – Kings, Presidents & Prime Ministers- coming at the same time to Dhaka for this momentous event. Farooq managed the protocol aspects of all these state visits with amazing aplomb. I deeply valued his support and cooperation which immensely contributed to the resounding success of the event culminating in the setting up of SAARC.
Apart from his competence in the official arena Farooq was a gentleman par excellence. For his contemporary colleagues he was a warm hearted friend. With his junior colleagues he was always extremely kind and considerate. A truly impressive quality of Farooq's character was that he never nurtured any professional jealousy and rivalry with any colleague.
I pray to Allah to grant his soul abode in the highest heaven. I convey my heartfelt condolences to his daughter Shenaz, his sons Shehriyar and Shehdeen and their spouses, to all his grand- children and to all other members of the bereaved family. I pray that Allah gives them courage and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
__ C M Shafi Sami
I will always treasure the heartfelt words you shared with me from your hospital bed in your final days, speaking so beautifully about the friendship between your daughter and me. Those words will stay with me forever, a reminder of the bond we shared and the deep love you have for your family. Thank you for all the strength and effort you put into getting that message across to me. I will cherish it forever.
Rest in peace Uncle. You are deeply missed, but you have left your mark on each of our hearts.
With love ❤️
Neerja Alex Nina and Dani
It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to our dear friend, AKM Farooq—a soft-spoken, kind-hearted, and genuine gentleman who touched the lives of everyone he met. We were truly blessed to have known him and to have shared so many cherished moments together throughout our time in the Foreign Service, from Jakarta, Indonesia, to Dhaka, and finally settling together in Southern California.
Farooq bhai was not only a beloved friend but also an accomplished diplomat who represented Bangladesh with immense dignity and grace on the global stage. His distinguished career took him to various international forums and postings around the world, including China, Belgium, Australia, India, and many other countries. His dedication to his work and his nation was an inspiration to us all.
Beyond his professional achievements, Farooq was a devoted family man, blessed with a loving wife, Nazni, and wonderful children—Shenaz, Bambi, and Chotku. He was also a proud father-in-law to Sayeed and a doting grandfather to his beautiful grandchildren. His love for his family was evident in everything he did, and his legacy will live on through them.
As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the life of a remarkable individual who brought so much joy, wisdom, and kindness into our lives. We will remember him fondly and hold onto the memories we shared. May the Almighty grant him eternal peace and a place in Jannat Ul Ferdous.
Rest in peace, dear Farooq bhai. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

It is with a heavy heart that I share my deepest condolences on his passing. He was more than just my best friend’s father—he was a kind, generous, and remarkable man who always welcomed me with warmth and treated me like family.
I will always cherish the memories of his laughter, wisdom, and the unwavering support he showed not just to his own family, but to everyone lucky enough to know him. His kindness left a lasting impact on my life, and I am forever grateful for the moments we shared.
To my dearest Shenaz, Tia, Riana, Aunty, and the entire family, my heart is with you during this difficult time. I can’t begin to imagine the depth of your loss, but I hope you find comfort and strength in the love he gave so freely and the beautiful legacy he leaves behind. He may no longer be with us in person, but his spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched.
My fondest memory is from this past Halloween, just 3 months ago. With the biggest smile, he said my costume was a 10 out of 10–the winning costume of the night! He sure knew how to make everyone feel special in the most effortless and genuine way.
Rest in peace Uncle, you will be deeply missed but never forgotten. 🙏🕊️
Love you, Babu Chachcha! Keep smiling from the heavens!
You were a true gentleman and good friend to me. I will carry your memory in me forever.
What I admired the most about him was his genuine interest and curiosity in everyone and everything. No matter how young or old, big or small, rich or poor. He had this instinctive ability to pinpoint exactly what you needed. A smile when you were down. A joke or laugh when you were depressed. He came bearing treats when you were sick. Provided access to all his books when you mentioned you enjoyed reading. He even made recommendations based on your interests. Chachu actually enjoyed listening to your thoughts and concerns while offering sound advice or the right words to comfort you. You could be thousands of miles away and he knew exactly when to call you and when to check in on you.
There is a story often repeated by my parents. I am around 3 years old. For some bizarre reason I was obsessed with going to school. This is all I talked about.
I had no concept of what school entailed, but I was still determined to go.
My mother explained in no uncertain terms, that my age would restrict me from being able to attend school. I took this as some great injustice. Everyday, I would reason, plead, and then bargain with her.
I came up with dozens of scenarios to break out of the house and attend this mythical school.
Having heard about my obsession only once, Chachu proceeded to gift me with a red school bag with matching supplies.
I spent every day, packing and unpacking that school bag pretending to go to school. I am pretty sure on most days I did not pack anything useful.
This continued for a whole year until my first day at kindergarten. I am pretty certain I tried to take that school bag with me into the classroom to show all the other kids.
It was the perfect gift.
He knew exactly what I needed.
I still have that school bag.
Chachu was a constant presence in the lives of those who knew him and never without a smile. Perhaps it was due to a childhood mired by tragedy and a heavy burden falling on his young shoulders, that he was able to continue smiling in the face of adversity while cultivating a resilience that kept him going where others would have quit. I also think it gave him the ability to be empathetic to the suffering of others and to connect with anyone in any room.
This gift allowed him to find his calling as a diplomat. During his career, he met a lot of important people. However, this did not change him in the slightest.
He continued to pay special and equal attention to his staff and employees.
He went against the grain, consistently treating everyone he employed like extended family members.
In a society that often ignores or oppresses the less fortunate, he chose what was right and just instead of what was easy. A lesson he learned during his youth and remembered to use everyday.
I only found out about the extent of Chachu’s generosity very recently. He quietly went around helping those who needed it the most. He was consistent and tireless in this pursuit. His contributions to better those around him span several decades. Most importantly, he achieved this without any fanfare.
The interactions I had with him now seem few and far between.
But they left a lasting impression on me.
I watched him in awe adapting to any condition and any environment with ease. Perfectly content to be on a small village ferry that made everyone else seasick. Being able to converse with perfect strangers like long lost relatives.
Managing to crack jokes en route to hospital.
Alas, he is not without his flaws.
He did not adapt to a particularly brutal Canadian winter. During this visit, he made it his mission to entertain us kids. So much so, he dressed in a t-shirt, traditional skirt, slippers, and my toque and scarf, to step outside in -20C temperature. He had the biggest smile plastered on his face calling out to me, dancing, and waving frantically.
You can imagine our sheer panic as we tried to usher him back inside.
“Are you crazy?” I exclaimed.
“No. I just thought it would be funny.”
He said grinning with delight.
“I’ll be fine. Stop worrying so much.”
He said overconfidently.
The next day he was extremely sick.
Naturally, he was very upset his visit was spoiled.
For us kids!
“I had so many more jokes planned for you.”
He did not instruct anyone.
He simply lead by example.
Object lessons on how to be kind, funny, thoughtful, and generous.
Even in his final days, his children mentioned his unwavering desire to learn, grow, and make the most of each day.
He was and is a great blueprint for anyone striving to be a better human being.
I will miss asking him about all his adventures. I will miss watching him shake with laughter across the room. Most of all, I will miss all his grandpa jokes.
Goodbye Chachu.
May your time in heaven be filled with as much adventure, insight, and laughter as you brought to us on earth
P.S. Please wear a coat.


We met Farook bhai only two and a half years ago at a friend’s house, but formed a strong bond with him from that very first meeting. From our conversation it came out that my father was one of his teachers in Rajshahi.
Never thought that Farook bhai will leave this mortal world so soon. May his soul rest in peace.







In 1984, they very graciously hosted my wife Shama and father Lutfur Rahman (Nazni’s uncle) on a visit to Brussels.
Farooq Bhai’s younger brother Mamoon was my student at IBA during his MBA studies.
May Farooq Bhai rest in peace.
Rest in peace dear uncle. 🤍😇

Saddened by the departure of our youngest sister's husband after a painful but unsuccessful struggle to keep him on this earth for the last couple of weeks. It is always a shock and an upsetting moment when a dear family member leaves us for his HOME with Allah. The loss of a loving and loved person can never be compensated. At every step in life, he is missed, especially by the family who loved him and to whom his very living breath meant a lot as no one can substitute the care, concern and love of a loving parent who tries his/her utmost to hold an umbrella over the heads of his living gifts of flesh from Allah. AKM Farooq was such a parent who left his mortal life and his dear ones at the call of Allah.
Farooq had an illustrious and successful career as a diplomat. He was a very devoted son, a loving and responsible brother taking care of and fulfilling all his family responsibilities and meeting the needs and demands of his paternal family. He was also always mindful of the needs of all relatives by his own marriage and that of his siblings, his immediate and distant relatives as much as possible. During his postings in different foreign countries he enjoyed providing hospitality to members of his extended family and friends to share the local experiences of those countries. I myself had the privilege of being one of those lucky relatives to experience life and culture of Bangkok and Jakarta through his courtesy when he was stationed at those stations.
I shall always remain grateful for his unstinented help in completing some Government formalities smoothly in which others encounter unnecessary obstacles and harassment. I will also remember that during his posting in Jeddah, he invited me and my husband to perform Umrah during his stay in that country without facing unnecessary hassle. Unfortunately, we were unable to avail of his offer st the time, but even when we did want to perform Umra after he had left Jeddah, he extended his assistance in every way by his respected colleague in Jeddah to assist to let us fulfill our obligation as smoothly and comfortablly as possible. We heartily completed the holy rites as satisfactorily as possible within our short visit. I am fully aware how inconvenient and troublesome it might have been without that help. May Allah reward him for his kind and sincere assistance.
Such was our youngest brother-in-law all the way. He always had a welcome and pleasant smile for everyone whenever on every occasion to meet or talk. Even during his physical distress of the past few years, he always greeted me with a smile if we talked in person or online. I always knew he would fill me with the latest news about himself and his local and resident Australian family, which others were too busy to share.
Dear brother in law, you will be dearly missed by your loving and doting children who did their best to ease your suffering and pain. They have now lost a loving canopy to protect them from day to day weathers of life. Undoubtedly, I shall also miss our occasional whatsapp video chats with my dear youngest sister's husband. May Merciful Allah forgive you and rest you in Eternal Peace in the company of your loving parents and siblings. Ameen.

l am so sorry for your loss … Our condolences to you and your families in this difficult time…Words cannot describe how much saddening this news was for us…May almighty Allah rest his soul in eternal peace & place him in Jannatul ferdous.. Ameen
Your affectionate Papa was my Khalu. Losing a Papa is very hard and one that was so sweet and adorable. Along with you the grand children and nieces and nephews will miss him. I hope the good memories will comfort you and help you process this loss. I have wonderful memories of him as a child. At that time he fussed with us, as you were not born. He even took us to his village home in Barisal, a memory I cannot forget. He was so loved and respected in his home. With me he had a special connection. He would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would say," Songsari" meaning " home administrator" and Everytime we met he would say " Ki khobor Songsari?". We have beautiful memories of large get togethers with our Nani (Tawny' s) great cooking, during Eid or in his honor when he came for visits. Mimmo, Jhappu and us would play around the beautiful house. The center of attention was always Khalu and his sweet affable demeanor. Moina , you inherited that sweetness and bless your heart took care of your Papa like a baby. May Allah bless you and all the other family members and help you navigate this loss. May Allah forgive him and grant him Jannah. Rabbir Hamhuma Kaama Rabbayani Sagheera. Oh Allah please take care of our parents as they had taken care of us when we were helpless ( babies).
Ameen
Funeral Service - Gathering and Remembrance
We invite you to join us in honoring his life and offering prayers for his soul:
Public Funeral
📍 Janaza (Funeral Prayer) & Burial
🕰 02/02/2025 10:30am (for 11am start)
📌 Location: Santa Ana Cemetery (1919 E. Santa Clara Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705). After entering the cemetery gate, follow the red arrows to the site.
Memorial Gathering & Dua
After the burial, we invite you to join us for a gathering, remembrance, and prayer (Dua) at the home of his daughter:
📍 Shenaz’s (Moina) Residence
🕰 2pm
📌 Address: 3 Ravenna, Irvine, CA 92614
We welcome you to share your prayers and memories at the gathering. We will come together to remember and pay tribute to our dear Papa / A K M Farooq. While we mourn our loss, we also aim to cherish the moments and the joy brought into our lives. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.
RSVPs appreciated (if possible).
Kindly share your condolences and memories on the memory wall below.
May Allah (SWT) grant him Jannatul Firdaus and grant us patience and strength. Ameen.
1919 E. Santa Clara Ave
Santa Ana, CA 92705