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Br. Belal Rokonuddin is no more! He left this short life to meet his Lord for the eternal hereafter. He passed away morning of Tuesday, March 25, 2003 around 4:00 am in a heart attack in Montgomery General Hospital Olney, Maryland. We pray so that Allah bestow him the garden of Paradise. He left behind his wife and three children and thousands of community members to mourn his Death. A Civil Engineer by profession, he was the architect of the successful organization named AABEA (Association of American Bangladeshi Engineers and Architects) http://www.aabea.org Br. Belal Rokonuddin was very active in the local community in the DC/MD area and was a very good community leader. His sudden death is felt by the local as well as the greater American Bangladeshi community.
Read what his fellow friends/colleagues have to say about him: Br. Farid Ahmed writes: “… Belal Bhai was really not a person of talking; he was a MAN OF ACTION. I can write volume on this …… If there is only one thing I need to mention that I learned from him that would be – WORKING WITH PEOPLE ACROSS THE BOARD, irrespective of their affiliation and perspective. This is important to us the muslims …... Honestly speaking I am yet to see a second individual in my acquaintance possessing this exceptional virtue. This needs patience, tolerance, understanding, and vision. …….. But there is undoubtedly read detail than one thing to learn from his life. He was EXTROVERT IN ACTION BUT INTROVERT IN PUBLICITY …… Gentleness and respect for others have become scarce among us living in an age of individualism and arrogance. Belal Bhai was another rare example here. His respect for the elders was very well known in the community. And for a lot of people like me he was a perfect ‘Boro Bhai ’..read detail (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dahuk/message/1508 )….”
Br. Masud Rahman writes: “….Belal bhai was unique; I got to know him through his various activities, namely AABEA. But most recently, when he came on board of DAHUK leadership and was named as Convener of our Conference - I had the chance to talk to him over phone and plenty of emails. As we think him as our own, many other forums/organizations also think him in the same way. Check with some other org. such as: Muslim Ummah, NABIC, BAFI, AABEA, BAAI etc etc. you will find that he was very close to each one of them. In fact, AABEA was his brainchild as far as I know. How does someone get along with all these people and organization so well? That is the beauty and uniqueness of Br. Belal Rokonuddin. May Allah accept his virtues, Ameen! As a unique forum, DAHUK always wanted to bring people/organization with diverse opinions, backgrounds to a common goal to help Ummah, help Bangladesh, propagate the goodness of Islam through dialogue and discussion. Finally we found a person who was the embodiment of that mission. So when he finished his tenure of Gen Secretary of AABEA and came on board of DAHUK we were so delighted, that with his able leadership he will take us to the next level and next next level. But with his departure we remained as orphans as his own three children! …..read detail … (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dahuk/message/1523) …..”
Br. Fazlul Kabir writes: “….The Janaza at the Muslim Community Center (MCC), Maryland was a moving one. There were some one hundred well-wishers gathered in the Masjid, but everyone was silent. A sense of helplessness gripped the crowd. Belal bhai helped this community so much in the past, but we couldn’t do anything for him other than making du’a for his maghfirah. What could be a better time to accept the cruel truth of our final departures and realize the divine words “We come from Him and we return to Him”? … … … … Farid and I had to leave the graveyard early to pick up our kids from school. For the moment I thought to ask Belal bhai the permission for early leave, but only to find him lying without any response. No, he couldn’t come out of his new dwelling place to say us salaam, as he always did whenever we visited him at his house. ….read detail (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dahuk/message/1529)…”
Br. Abu Syed Mahfuz writes: “….. Dear readers, I have lost few of my relatives and friends in my life, but I do not think I ever felt such a shock before. I have met Belal bhai I guess twice while I have visited Maryland. It is clear that Belal bhai does not need any introduction. I just want to say, why I felt such shocked. Because I felt like we really lost someone, we lost a light. He is more then my own relatives. …... Specially, as Farid bhai mentioned, he was the convener of our planned upcoming DAHUK Shommelon '03. We were very impressed by his quick actions and achievements. Once we have had a tel-conference, his wise statements, suggestions, every moment was unforgettable. ………. The morning I have read his departure news same morning I have received his e-mail regarding DAHUK Shommelon 03, his great wise suggestions, his direction, his achievements. Oh! can you believe? One e-mail you read his great words, advices, plans and in other e-mail you read that he is no more with us. Inna Lillahi Wainna ilayhi Rajiu'n. … read detail (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dahuk/message/1516) ….”
Read what some other DAHUKs has to say: Wohidul Islam http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dahuk/message/1511 Read some of the messages that appeared in the BAFI mailing-list: FROM: WJRAB18@AOL.COM [MAILTO:WJRAB18@AOL.COM] Dear Mr. Haque, I am deeply shocked and saddened by the news of Belal's untimely death (Inna lillahi .......... Raje'un). He was not only active in the engineering community, but in the larger Bangladeshi community. May Allah rest his soul in eternal peace, and give strength to his wife and children to bear this tremendous loss. If possible, let us know about the time of the Janaja and burial arrangements. Wajeda Rab FROM: SULTAN IQBAL [MAILTO:SULTANIQBAL@HOTMAIL.COM] Assalamu alai kum. Please be nice to accept my sincere condolences and prayers for the departed soul of Belal Bhai.As I can understand from your mail that, Belal Bhai was perhaps the right type of people that we need for our motherland -Bangladesh. I again pray to Almighty Allah for his much bereaved family.Ameen. FROM: SULTAN CHOWDHURY [MAILTO:RASCX@MSN.COM] I can only ditto the comments made by Badrul and others. Belal bhai was a man of honor with great sense of humor, humility and responsibilities. He and I are of same age, and at times we talked about his family and young child. We pray for his departed soul and for the bereaved family -- May Allah Bless them! FROM: SHAWKAT ANWAR [MAILTO:LASKOR@HOTMAIL.COM] I am mortified to hear the sudden passing away of Mr. Belal-E-Islam Rokonuddin (Innalillahe....). I came to know Mr.Rokonuddin a few yaers ago and, on reflection, feel it is indeed good fortune to come across a person of his demeanour, one of the finest that I can recall. This indeed is a irreparable loss to his family and to us all. May Allah grant the departed soul eternal peace and the family and friends the fortitude to forbear this tragedy. Peace be upon all. Shawkat Anwar. FROM: PROF. A.K.M. SADRUL ISLAM
[MAILTO:SADRUL@ME.BUET.AC.BD] Its really a great loss to the Bangladeshi community in USA. I dont know him personally but I have a good relationship with him regarding several issues like support to the BSME-ASME International Conference held at Dhaka last Jan 2002 and related issues. He helped me a lot. May Allah grant him Zannah and give the patience to his family to bear this loss. Sadrul FROM: MOHAMMED AHSAN [MAILTO:RIAL98@HOTMAIL.COM] It is a heart breaking news for the community at large in the DC area. I had known him quite closely for more than 5 years. His commitment and good will for the community and the beauty of his heart is unparalleled. He was one of the main architects of AABEA's drive to modernizing informationtechnology related development work in the area. May Allah bless his soul and grant him paradise.. Kind regards, FROM: MOHAMMAD KARIM [MAILTO:KARIM@ENGR.CCNY.CUNY.EDU] Assalam. I have known him as one of the most meticulous persons - very outcome-focused - rarely seeking extra recognition for all the wonderful things he has done. His sudden death reminds us all that death is a certainty for all of us. May Allah (swt) reward him for his patience, planning, time, and hard-work and at the same time help his family to cope up with this tremendous loss. Mohammad Karim FROM: MISLAM@ISDB.ORG [MAILTO:MISLAM@ISDB.ORG] I'm extremely saddened to hear about Br. Belal Rokonuddin's sudden death. We got to know each other during my study at Harvard Law School. Since then we came closer through sharing ideas and activities. We continued interacting though frequent emails and phone calls. We met each other on few occasions as well. I found him so energetic, patient, dynamic and far-sighted. We always shared the same ideology as far as the Bangladeshi community, our culture, religion and practices are concerned. In addition to his invaluable community involvement, he was a great Islamic activist and valued thinker. I went through many of his enlightening articles on Islamic issues, particularly when I was the Editor-in-Chief of "The Message International", published from NY. I published one of his articles - "The Blessings of Ramadan" in Vol.25,No.11, 2000 Issue (the Ramadan 1421 Issue) of the Message International. Since I left the USA, we were still in touch. As I'm now based in Jeddah, he always expressed to visit Makkah & Madinah. Now that within this short period of our orientation, I can't believe that Br. Belal has left me and many others behind in grief and mourn. His demise reminds me, and all others who are aware of the incident, of the same reality to face today or tomorrow. Let's pray that Allah (SWT) rest his departed soul in peace in Jannatul Firdaus and keep all his bereaved family members and relatives on right-track and in peace & success. We should learn lesson from the life and death of our beloved Br. Belal. Let's carry on whatever good he pursued. Wohidul Islam FROM: MAHFUZ [MAILTO:EDITOR@BANGLAAMAR.COM] Dear Dr. Badrul Haque, Assalamu 'alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu. Brother, I am little confuse. Which Belal E. Islam Rukonuddin do you mean. I have just receive his e-mail day before yesterday. How many Belal Roknuddin do you have in DC/ MD area. I can not believe, if this is the Belal Roknuddin whom I know for few years, who is a very active. Recently we have planned for a DAHUK conference. Who is the organizer and convenor of the conference. I have just received his e-mail Sunday or Monday. Please do not tell me, this is the same Belal bhai. He is just a young man... Please confirm.... May Allah SWT reward him with Jannatul Firdawus....Wassalam Sincerely FROM: KHAJA AHAMED [MAILTO:KHAJACFD@BTTB.NET.BD] Dear Badrul Bhai, Although not known personally to me, I wish salvation of dear philanthropist Belal bhai's departed soul! Let his soul rest in eternal peace and his family and friends re-stand with a renewed vow to life and his ultimate objective towards life. With all my best regards to you & BAFI members, Engr. Khaja Ahamed FROM: HAFIZUR RAHMAN [MAILTO:RAHMAN-MH@RMC.CA] Assalmao alaikum. Please send our condolences to his family. May Allah give him oaridise and give aoptieince to his family. Hafiz FROM: EMARAT HOSSAIN [MAILTO:EMARATH@HOTMAIL.COM] Dr. Badrul Haque, You are right that Brother Belal was really really a special person. I have never seen him, got email only time-to-time, but was shocked to hear his death and so far answered several posting, may be first time in my 12 years of American life. We pray for his Jannah. Allah will take care of his family. Sincerely, FROM: AKMRABBY@AOL.COM [MAILTO:AKMRABBY@AOL.COM] Inna Lillahe o inna ilahey rajeun. May Allah award him best Jannath. Akm Fazle Rabby FROM: AHMED BADRUZZAMAN [MAILTO:AHMEDBADRUZZAMAN@HOTMAIL.COM] Dear Dr. Haque, I am devastated to hear of Belal's passing. I talked to him only yesterday via e-mail when he told me that the AABEA Webpage with AABEA convention reports had been relinked; I had complained to him about it on Sunday. Such prompt attention to make things better for those who counted on him was typical of him. I met Belal first about two and a half years back in LA when he came for the 3rd AABEA Biennial convention. He shared the concerns of many of us on Bangladesh gas issues and inquired if I could put together a session on it at the following Biennial Convention in DC. It was with his tremendous support that I was able to to do this past October. During the course of putting together the sessions I came to know a remarkable man. He was unassuming. He remained unfazed against all odds. His ability to resolve a difference was uncanny. He did not look for credit for himself but was generous with it for others. His resolve was steely and yet politeness heartwarming and catching. I am sure all of us will miss him. May his soul rest in peace and his family find solace and strength to bear this irrepairable loss. Best regards, FROM: AHASAN [MAILTO:HASAN_ALTAF@YAHOO.COM] Dear Dr. Haque: I never had the opportunity of meeting Br. Belal Rokunuddin in person. But I have known him very closely through his writings and description of his activities, and a couple of e-mail exchanges. This news just struck me like a thunder almost immobilizing me. I feel I have lost one of my very own. Beyond my personal loss, the loss of the Bangladeshi community in general and in USA in particular is so great that we have to think hard how to quantify that. His contributions to the community and to the Islamic cause have been extra-ordinary. His departure at this young age will surely deprive us of so much more we came to expect from him. But the Creator has His own plans. I sincerely pray that He grant Br. Belal Jannah in the Hereafter without any question because of the services he rendered to so many for their benefit, and the sadaqa he established through his works. I also pray that his family finds strength to withstand this huge loss f! or them with faith and courage - may Allaah give them patience and protection. Please let us know if we can be of any help at this hour of grief and sorrow. And finally, let this be a reminder for all of us about our priorities here - nobody is actually too young. . . . Wassalam. FROM: ABUL HUSSAM [MAILTO:AHUSSAM@GMU.EDU] I am numbed by this sad news. Belal bhai was one of those very special persons who touched us all. He made significant contributions to the development of the community. I had experience working with him and I will always remember him for his gentle manners and professionalism. We pray that he is granted the eternal peace and his family the strength to overcome this crisis. God bless us all. Abul Hussam FROM: ABAHMED@AOL.COM [MAILTO:ABAHMED@AOL.COM] Assalamu Alaikum. With great sadness, I just learned the sudden death of Belal Rokonuddin (of Maryland) through an e-mail posting by Dr. Badrul Haque of Bangladesh American Foundation, Inc (inna lillahi wa inna elihi raajioon). May Allah forgive him and grant him the highest stage in paradise. I also pray for his family and ask Allah (swt) to give them the courage and patience to deal with this tremendous loss. I first met Br. Belal about two years ago when he organized the first planning meeting for the 12th Annual Convention of the North American Bangladeshi Islamic Community (NABIC). Since then I had numerous telephone conversations and e-mail exchanges with him leading up to the NABIC convention in June 2002 in New Carrollton, Maryland. Br. Belal was an invited speaker at that convention and talked about the activities of AABEA. Despite his busy schedule and involvement with several other Bangladeshi organizations, he took time to ensure that NABIC receives all the helps it need for a successful convention. NABIC and I (personally) will always be indebted to Br. Belal for his help. His untimely departure is a great loss for those of us who knew him personally and we will miss him dearly. Our solace comes from knowing that he is now in the merciful hand of his Creator. Please remember Br. Belal and his family in your prayer. Abu Bakar Ahmed |
