Faruq Faisel

It has been some weeks now since Faruq left us, and he has been in my thoughts a great deal in that time.
I met Faruq in Kathmandu, at a party. He loved a party. We became instant friends - one of those connections where you pick up as if you already knew each other. Faruq was very warm and open, easygoing and always put people at ease. It was a great gift he had for friendship as all the many tributes to him show.
He was also a dedicated campaigner and supporter of journalism and journalists (we could do with some of that right now in the UK!). After I left Kathmandu we remained in touch, by email and phone, often chatting when he was at home in his compound in Kabul, Afghanistan. He introduced me to his lovely daughter Priya, whom he adored, and memorably visited me in my home in Cornwall on one occasion. He was enchanted by our family tortoise, and very nearly missed his plane back to Dhaka when I lost my car keys out on the moorland where we had walked. Miraculously he found them just in time for me to drive him to the station. He was kind, warm, fun, dedicated and courageous. I miss him and wish I could tell him so.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. Deepest condolences to all his family and friends. I will always remember his smile. May you rest in peace dear Faruq.

He was Executive Director of Ain o Salish Kendra, where I met him,,He was a very kind hearted person with good behaviour

Deepest condolences to you family. Met in Dhaka & in Sweden...A brave and smiling person.

My deepest condolences to Faruq’s family and friends. Rest well Faruq.

A dear friend since 1996 & will be missed. His intellectual heights entertained me in great length. May Allah bless his soul.

Faruq was one of the warmest people I met during my time in Nepal. He was full of and lived life to the fullest and encouraged all to do so.

I worked with Faruq in the 1990s, and we remained friends for decades thereafter, meeting up at every opportunity, be it in Montréal, Ottawa, Dhaka, or anywhere in between. Faruq lived life to the fullest with intentionality and a deep and unwavering commitment to human rights. I cherish my memories with him, and I miss him already. He leaves behind his beautiful, bright daughter, Priya. May his spirit and joie de vivre live on in her!

Faruq. You will be missed.

On behalf of Free Press Unlimited, condolences to the family. May he rest in peace.
We know Faruq as a visionary and brave human right advocate. In several collaborations in projects we built a friendly and productive working relation with him. He was always inspiring and committed. The defenders of freedom of expression lost a true leader.

Rest in peace, Faruq Faisel bhai. Deeply saddened to hear of his passing yesterday. Once a reputable journalist, later a long-time development professional, he worked with organisations such as Article 19, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), and Oxfam, and was once part of the Aga Khan Foundation’s Early Childhood Development Support Programme (ECDSP) in Bangladesh.

I first knew Faruq bhai when he joined this ECD programme of the Aga Khan Foundation, which was funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), a Canadian government agency now known as Global Affairs Canada, where I served as the team leader for that programme from CIDA’s side. Over time, I had the chance to meet him at various work related meetings. He was often among the invitees from civil society during our high-level discussions organised for senior visitors from my current organisation. He represented Article 19 and later ASK in those meetings. We also had occasional exchanges when he worked with Oxfam in Afghanistan.

The last time I met him was probably more than a year ago, when he was still with ASK. Later, I heard he had left, though no one seemed to have updates about him. Now, hearing this sad news, I realise he might have already started stepping back from work due to health reasons.

Faruq bhai was never one to follow the crowd. He thought freely, lived honestly, and stood by his choices without apology. In a world that often rewards conformity, he remained unbent, true to himself till the end. You might not have agreed with him, but you could never overlook his presence. May he now find peace in a realm where he can continue to live, as he always did here, in his own way and on his own terms.

A True Leader never dies!
A Faruq Faisal, what name his comrades, colleagues, teammates, relatives, friends, admirers would call him seems to be a subject of research. I am familiar with the name of Faruq Faisal through his writings in various newspapers and magazines since my high school days. And when he got involved with the weekly Bichitra, I got the opportunity to get to know him more. Because he looked at the cultural side and I was a movie buff. On the one hand, as I grew older, my interest in movies decreased, on the other hand, such magazines also gradually started closing chapters. And Faruq Faisal, who was well known to me as an entertainment journalist, disappeared from my mind.
One day in my work, I suddenly came to know his name, Kabir Bhai, a colleague of Aga Khan Foundation-Bangladesh (AKF-B), confirmed that yes, this is the same Faruq Faisal. Two years after AKF-B funded the Dhaka Ahsania Mission in the early part of 2008 for a project called Early Childhood Development Support Program - Bangladesh (ECDSP-B), Faruq Bhai took over the responsibility of the project as Senior Country Program Manager. And I was the ``Project Manager'' of the project on behalf of Dhaka Ahsania Mission. So for good reason, there was a regular visit to the project office of AKF-B. And the opportunity was to recognize and get to know another Faruq Bhai.
He was at AKF-B for 2 years. In these 2 years, the way I was able to discover him the most was that he is a true leader. Faruq Bhai was a complete package of personality, positive attitude, and flexibility in addition to knowledge, dignity, and wisdom for working in an NGO. So maybe he was able to become a favorite of everyone in a short time. And this is where his charismatic leadership, surpassing everything, attracted me the most. It is unfortunate that I did not get the opportunity to work with him for a long time.
However, despite the contact due to social media, it has not developed like it did in those 2 years. And my failure was more responsible for that. However, his memory has never faded from me. When I received the news of his death yesterday, I was initially shocked. Later, I again reassured my mind that this is destiny, this is the provision of the Creator. Faruq Bhai, wherever you are, be well, may the great Creator grant you Jannatul Firdous. Ameen!

Hello Priya, love and hugs. I am your dad's class friend from University of Dhaka, same department. 1973-1979. Your dad was a brilliant writer and human being. We caught up again after a long time at one of our friend's - Rezwan Siddiqui's house for a get-together. After almost 40 years we met. He was in a great mood. First time I realised he was so witty and can make us laugh with his stories. He was a successful man, lion hearted. He also talked about you, his only daughter, whom⁷ he loved abundantly. Then I called our friends twice at my home. He attended and we had great time. That was the last reunion. I regret why I did not call him again. I never knew about his illness. My prayer with him always. Rest in peace Faruq.

faruq was my good friend. we were friends not acquaintance. i often recited poem to him and invited him to my concerts with musical bands like KUTUMBA, an esteemed instrumental band of nepal. i use to dedicate my poem specially to him if he was present there. he was a good soul and a real giver. finally he has given me various best memories, which i will treasure till i live. khuda tumhe jannat bakhshe!

I first met Faruq in Nepal and we became good friends since then. Then one day, back in Canada, he called me to asked me if I wanted to work with him doing an evaluation of two projects in Guatemala and in Honduras (because he didn’t speak Spanish and I did!!). I immediately said yes and loved the experience and working with Faruq. As I write this, the sound of his very loud snoring that resonated over a very loud downpour in the mountains of Honduras, comes to mind and makes me smile. I recorded it and teased him about it. Then I saw him again when I went to work for the UN in Bangladesh. He offered me a place to stay and was great support in many ways. I met his family and spent “Id” and other holidays with them, feeling like I was surrounded by my own family, learning about their beautiful culture and traditions. Even now, many years later, thinking of those days warms my heart. Thank you dear friend, for your kindness and generosity and the times we shared and for always finding the time to send a message asking how I was. Don’t stop doing it now that you are in the realm of spirit!

After visiting the project and inaugurating the ``Child Day Care Centers`` for the children of rural working mothers under the ``Early Childhood Development Support Program - Bangladesh`` funded by the Aga Khan Foundation-Bangladesh and the Innovation Component ``Integrated Child Development Program``, a sharing meeting on the issue of Rural Child Day Care Centers was held at the hall room of the DC office in Barguna by Faruq Faisal, Senior Country Program Manager, Aga Khan Foundation-Bangladesh. The meeting was attended by the then Deputy Commissioner of Barguna district, government officials, public representatives, NGO representatives, civil society, representatives of housing centers and media representatives. May Allah Almighty grant them Jannatul Firdous. Ameen!

Place: Barguna, Bangladesh Date: 11.10.2011

I did not know Faruq very well, but the way how we got to know each other is worth mentioning. In 2017, I was stationed in Dhaka for establishment of National Forest Inventory for Bangladesh (UN and FAO project), and after staying some first weeks in American Club I started to look for place to stay. And, surprisingly, Faruq’s place “came up”, was available even with him being abroad. It was just “supposed to happen”,I guess. So, I rented his place, and we had some extraordinary interesting conversations about the world order, UN, politics, geography, travelling etc. I must say - he was really a PERSONALITY, not just a person.
Some years later, I moved to Iceland (forgot to mentioned, I am Latvian), and Faruq promised me to come for a visit and finaly meet in person. Pandemics changed plans for many of us, and his travel here never took place. But now, my friend, You can travel where ever You want. And we will meet some day.

Mr. Faruq Faisal, along with the famous film actress ``Kabori'', known as Mishti Meye, who was a member of the National Parliament of Bangladesh, inaugurated the ``Child Day Care Center`` for the children of rural working mothers under the innovation component ``Integrated Child Development Program`` of the ``Early Childhood Development Support Program Bangladesh (ECDSP-B)`` project. It is worth mentioning that Dhaka Ahsania Mission is the innovator of the Child Day Care Center. Dear Faruq Faisal Bhai, at that time, he was working as the Senior Country Program Manager of the ``Early Childhood Development Support Program Bangladesh`` project, which is run by 3 national non-governmental development organizations and 9 local non-governmental development organizations funded by the Aga Khan Foundation. May Allah Almighty grant them Jannatul Firdous. Ameen!
Place: Barguna, Bangladesh
Date: 11.10.2011

Shocked to hear this news. Rest in dear Faruq. I met him 18 years ago when he was a communication adviser to a CECI funded project in Nepal. He was a true human kind. Once again sorry and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. He used to talk about you Priya every time we met. You were his most lovable person.

I am deeply saddened by demise of my leader, former Supervisor at Aga Khan Foundation. He was not only my supervisor, a true friend, a leader who always used to make our office enabling to work whole heartedly, with professionalism and gesture and laughter. Often we were invited to his home on multiple occation like music evening, interaction on mental health, environment, dramna, life stories or adda.
It was a huge privilige for me to work with such a beloved person who guided with inspiration and encuraged to make life easy by removing odds from thinking process.
When I gave birth to my second baby, he managed to get a six months maternity leave for me to rear the child exclusively breast fed. He brought gift for the baby fency parambulator and some toys that I can still remember.
My prayers to our Lord to keep you in peace. Yiu will be badly missed Faruk bhai.

During the later part of my student life at the University of Dhaka, I had the opportunity to work as an Associate to the Editor of Sachitra Sandhani—one of the most prestigious socio-cultural weeklies in the country, where Faruque Bhai had also worked earlier. Although he had left before I joined, his legacy continued to inspire the team.

During my tenure at Sachitra Sandhani, I joined a group of journalists—including Faruque Bhai—on a field visit to Brahmanbaria to witness a street drama festival (called as 'Mukto Natok') organized by local communities under the guidance of Mamunur Rashid, a veteran and award-winning dramatist, and his theatre group Aranyak. The renowned Rabindra Sangeet artist, researcher, and journalist, the late Wahidul Haque, was also part of our team.

We spent a memorable night there, filled with lively conversations, laughter, and deep discussions—an experience I still treasure as one of the most enriching moments of my life.

Later,I have published an exclusive cover story in Sachitra Sandhani on this event.

In later years, as both of us pursued careers in international development, I had the privilege of interacting with Faruque Bhai in various workshops and policy discussions. He was a man of broad vision and a generous heart—accommodative, rooted in heritage, and devoted to classical values. Free from prejudice and superstition, he possessed the courage to challenge norms and work toward social transformation. In many ways, he was a true changemaker.

We will continue to cherish his ideals and the legacy he left behind.

Mr. Faruq Faisal, enjoying a cultural evening organized by Dhaka Ahsania Mission in honor of the famous film actress``Kabori``, known as Mishti Meye, (she was then a Member of Parliament of Bangladesh). Dear Faruq Faisal Bhai was then working as the Senior Country Programme Manager of the ``Early Childhood Development Support Programme Bangladesh (ECDSP-B)`` project, which is run by 3 national NGOs and 9 local NGOs funded by the Aga Khan Foundation. May Almighty Allah Ta'ala accept them in Jannatul Ferdous. Ameen!

Place: Barguna, Bangladesh
Date: 10.10.2011

Mr. Faruq Faisal, visited the "Early Childhood Development Support Program Bangladesh (ECDSP-B)" project run by Dhaka Ahsania Mission funded by Aga Khan Foundation. Accompanied by the famous film actress "Kabori" known as "Mishti Meye". Dear Faruq Faisal Bhai was then working as the Senior Country Program Manager of the "Early Childhood Support Program Bangladesh (ECDSP-B)" project run by 3 national NGOs and 9 local NGOs funded by Aga Khan Foundation. May Almighty Allah Ta'ala accept them in Heaven. Ameen!


Place: Barguna, Bangladesh
Date: 10.10.2011

From a boat ride on Meghna 2014

Faruk vai you inspired me lot.don’t know how I thank you.respect.

We first met in 2010, at the birthday party of a volunteer named Elizabeth Okech. He was always smiling and lively. Then we became friends on Facebook, and sometimes shared his writings in my inbox. May his soul rest in peace.

I got the opportunity to work with Faruq bhai for Article 19. I want to say, he always made me feel seen and appreciated. Apart from leading the team with professionalism, he brought humour, insight, and calm to our work. His absence cuts deep. I will carry the memory in the way we work, the way we treat each other, and the way he showed us how to lead with compassion.

​He was like a big brother to me, always checking in on his own. It all began when we first met, when he brought four-year-old Priya to Dhaka. When I learned about his cancer a few days ago, he said to me, "I'm not afraid, why are you?" It's difficult to accept his passing. I will miss you very much, brother.