Abdul Quader, an obituary

Abdul Quader (1955-2019) was not a big man in physique, but the shadow he threw on his life and time was larger than life, encompassing many interests and abilities and spanning several continents.

Born in Bangladesh’s southern district of Barisal he had his education in the famous BM College followed by post graduate education in Australia’s University of New England and Canada’s Simon Fraser University. After a stint in the Public Service of Bangladesh he migrated to Australia and eventually settled in Canberra as a public servant. He worked in the Department of Industry and made his mark there as an able officer.

In the course of time he also made hismark in Canberra as a leader of the Bangladeshi community,as an active member, supporter, guide and a President of the Bangladesh Australia Association of Canberra.

Meeting AQ, one became struck by his refined sense of the word, his measured gentle manners and, more remarkably, his subtle dead-pan wit which he used to charming effect. It was clear that he read widely and had a great memory. Over the years he had developed a keen interest in poetry, particularly classicalUrdu poetry and ghazal which he liked to recite often. An encounter with him was always infused with poetic humour and filled with joie de vivre. On many occasions in Canberra I have been charmed by his nature combining creativity, humility, humour and a relentless optimism which he retained to his very last days.

A few years ago he visited us in our village home in Sylhet with his family. Away from Canberra and in a bucolic rural setting we spent a few fun filled days that are still fresh in our memories. More importantly, several people he met there, albeit fleetingly, still remember him as a remarkable man with many human qualities and charm and were devastated by the news of his untimely death.

We saw Quader Bhai regularly during the last weeks of his life in Canberra. Though challenged by physical ailments he remained positive and optimistic and never lost his humour and zest for life. That is the memory we will hold onto whenever we think of him.

He has been blessed with a wonderful family.Bhabi- AliceNahar – his two daughters, Tahiti and Teresha, and his granddaughter, Ivy . It was heart wrenching to seetheir emotions and vigil in the last days of his life.

The community of Bangladeshis and others in Canberra have come together in remembering him – a testament to the affection and warmth in which he was held. Tulip, Sami and I us were blessed by his closeness and affection. Looking back our memories of Quader Bhai will be filled with the warmth, love and laughter that he showed us in life.

As we say goodbye to this true friend, I dedicate excerpts of a poem by Dylan Thomas to his memory.

Do not go gentle into that good night
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lighting they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

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