The attack on Barrister Rizwan Hussain is not the first time a Bangladeshi has suffered at the hands of their fellow country folk. Though we thank the Almighy that this lion of an activist came out unscathed, the harsh reality is that things could have been so much worse.

The case of Rizwan Hussain brings back the harsh, bitter and jagged memories of Suroth Ali, who was so tragically and brutally murdered at the same Zia International airport in Dhaka.

Hussain committed the heinous crime of offering support to a fellow passenger. For his troubles he was escorted to an isolated room, as four officers proceeded to kick the living daylights out of him. The beating meted out has afforded these thugs cult status; a place in the pantheon of legends, the hall of fame for the teeth gnashing, skinheaded, chain donning hooligan thugs and the bovver boot brigade proud. As an almost permanent souvenir of his trauma, Hussain was given the Dhaka version of the Chelsea kiss; beaten to a pulp, having his forearm smashed and applying the coupe de grace by breaking his leg in two separate places. In true Gestapo style he was then forced to sign a statement admitting to people trafficking. Had it not been for his status and international acclaim these farcical allegations could have landed him in serious bother.

Although this is an isolated incident, it offers a glimpse into the sentiments of detestation and disdain often displayed towards expatriates who so benefit the economy of our proud and beautiful country. Bangladeshi expatriates living abroad, who provide immense contribution to different spheres of national development. With the most notable contribution being cold hard cash, even the government refers to expatriates as “our good-will ambassadors;” immensely valuing their support to the caretaker government and contribution in projecting the image of Bangladesh abroad.

Amidst the cold harsh reality of hindsight it’s very clear that Rizwan Hussain could have shared Suroth Ali’s fate and we could very well have been mourning the tragic loss of a most brilliant Ambassador for Bangladeshis and Muslims. Thus, it is time to use peaceful means to send out a calm yet powerful message to the government and law authorities of the homeland. Stop treating expatriates as second class citizens. Stop harassing us at airports, and start offering disgraceful flight services. We are not asking for the world. Have the courage and dignity to at least give us the respect we so deserve.

The perpetrators of these crimes simply picked on the wrong guy. Hussain’s national and international appeal has resulted in wholesale protests and the government has launched its own internal investigation.

What worries me is if this is the welcome reserved for a champion like Hussain, what hope do the rest of us have? Joe and Janet Bloggs may not be so lucky.

Readers can make their views known by emailing the British High Commissioner in Bangladesh - Dhaka.Consular@fco.gov.uk

Emdad Rahman
E Mail : emdad7@hotmail.com