Faezul Huq was a lawyer, an academic, a politician, and a former state minister of the Awami League government during 1996-2001. Whatever position he took on, he carried out in a simple and courteous fashion.

He was a prolific writer on a variety of subjects in newspaper, magazines and a regular contributor to the print media. His articles were incisive and easy to read and comprehend, and his message was direct and to the point, whether one agreed or not with his views is a different matter.

Politics did not seem to be his "cup of tea," as he was a person of great candour and honesty. Honesty and politics hardly mix. He had an exuberant style of life -- he loved life, enjoyed the company of people and everything about it.

When he was a state minister, he was able to win the confidence, respect, affection, and the hearts of public officials within his ministry. In many respects, he was ahead of his times. He did not break any rules, but sought solutions to ensure good outcomes which reflected judgment and good sense. According to colleagues, he was easy to work with. He was friendly in his dealings, and was never vindictive. Passionate about the future prospects of jute, he attempted to make the "golden fibre" of the country a diversified exportable commodity.

He was a great traveller, and it is no accident that a lot of stories about Faezul Huq involve, as he would call them, "foreign parts." He was a past-master at combining keen observation of culture and traditions of the foreign countries with the pleasures of tourism during his holidays. He wrote many anecdotes of his travels.

Faezul Huq was the very essence of urbanity. He was charming, articulate, witty, and generous. I used to meet him in parties/dinners of common friends. He was always available for political analysis and assessment. He was always great company, keen to explore and experience something new.

To his family, he was a loving and inspiring figure. He could also be stubborn. He refused to grow old, and ignored his doctor's advice.

Born in 1943 in Calcutta, he did his secondary education in Dhaka and at Notre Dame College. He obtained his honours degree in political science and took a masters degree in English from Dhaka University.

Faezul Huq was elected as MNA ( Member of the National Assembly) in 1970 from his Banaripara-Swarupkathi-Nazirpur constituency. In 1996 he was elected as MP from the same constituency and was made a state minister.

His passing away has caused dismay and shock to his friends and acquaintances. We all pray to Allah for eternal bliss for his soul, and may his bereaved family have the courage and strength to bear the irreparable personal loss.

About human beings, Shakespeare writes through the words of Hamlet: "What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason! How infinite in faculty! in form, in moving, how express and admirable! In action how like an angel!...And yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust?"

Barrister Harun ur Rashid is former Bangladesh Ambassador to the UN, Geneva.