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Abul Ullah Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Abul Ullah
Sponsored by His Wife and Children.
Jamal Hasan
August 27, 2020
I miss Jaffor bhai during this time of uncertainty. Regarding penning on Bangladesh politics he was light years ahead.
R Ullah
August 26, 2020
Thinking of you and your legacy, seven years after we laid you to rest. We love you.
Rashad Ullah
August 21, 2019
Remembering you, six years after we lost you. May you Rest in Peace. We love you.
Jamal Hasan
March 9, 2014
I can not recollect exactly when I first met Dr. Jaffor Ullah. It was probably the year 1977 or 1978. Jaffor Bhai visited to our maternal uncle A.H. Salahuddin's Indira office of the Bangladesh Gramophone Company on Indira Road. That office was located inside Uncle's house. I saw Jaffor Bhai at a glimpse. Our uncle was a close friend of Jaffor Bhai. Whenever Jaffor Bhai came to Bangladesh, he made sure to drop by our uncle's office.
Fast forward. In the early 1990's I was living in Florida. I got a call from Jaffor Bhai from Slidell, Louisiana. After an introduction, he asked me if I was interested in writing for certain publications in Louisiana. I replied in the affirmative. After that conversation, our telephonic ties became strengthened. Jaffor Bhai and I started to correspond via snail mail. Once he sent me poetry written by his eldest son Rashad Ullah. Rashad was probably a sixth grade student then.
Dr. Jaffor Ullah introduced me to the Dhaka-based Internet daily NEWS FROM BANGLADESH. That website ultimately became a platform for dissident writers. The editor Tanvir Chowdhury was known to Jaffor Bhai. Tanvir took bold steps in publishing materials, which were thought to be not publishable in the contemporary Bangladeshi media.
In 1971, Jaffor Bhai was very much involved in organizing American public opinion in favor of Bangladesh's independence. He was then a young university student in the USA. During that time, Jaffor Bhai got connected with the liberal Pakistani student leader Feroz Ahmed, through whom he became closer to a few Sindhi-American activists. In early 2000, Jaffor Bhai linked me up with Munawar Laghari, a dedicated activist for the Sindhi cause. Jaffor Bhai came to the DC area and stayed with us to attend a Sindhi conference. I was one of the attendees of the historical gathering in the US Capitol. This is the first time, I had come face to face with my activist friend from Louisiana. Jaffor Bhai took all the photos of the Sindhi conference. Unfortunately, he declined to be in the photos himself. This is the way Jaffor Bhai remained the Internet's unsung hero on many occasions. Here is the link to the conference, with the photos he took: http://cyber_bangla0.tripod.com/Sind/Jamal.html
Through the 1990's and 2000's, Jaffor Bhai and I worked on a number of online projects as a team. As a quick and skillful editor, he helped many aspiring web writers publish their materials on the Internet. Some of those writers have established themselves as the giants among dissidents.
Dr. Jaffor Ullah was an outspoken man, who called a spade a spade. He never hesitated to speak his mind without resorting to political correctness. As a political observer he was a great forecaster. More than a decade ago, he created a website regarding the growth of political Islam in Bangladesh. It was called "The Islamization of Bangladesh; Is it complete?" At the time many readers thought Jaffor Bhai was alarmist. Today, the now non-existent website could have proven how right he was.
Jaffor Bhai was a talented person with many creative interests. He wrote primarily on Bangladeshi and US politics emphasizing on the danger of the growth of radical Islam. He also worked on a major project like translating Kalidas in collaboration with Dr. Joanna Kirkpatrick, visible at http://www.asianart.com/articles/ricksha/biography.html Photography was his great passion. Music was another area of interest. He was involved in their family business, a music recording studio named Jhankar located in the Bangladesh's capital Dhaka. In his home in Louisiana he spent many hours recording and archiving classical Western and Eastern music. It is quite difficult to find anybody like Jaffor Bhai.
Last time I met Jaffor Bhai in person was in July 2010. He came to our house with his wife and all his children. We had a splendid time where we reminisced the unforgettable episodes of political activism on the Internet.
In this time of living dangerously, Jaffor Bhai will be missed very much. He was indeed the brightest icon of secular activism among expatriate Bangladeshis.
Kaiser Ullah
September 13, 2013
At last I got my courage back to writte about my little brother Hasnu. I was very young boy in 1964 left home for England. There are so many sweet memories when we are little boys. In 1968 my father passed away. It was very sad and hard time for the family I left my studies and started ful time job to help the famille. In 1969 Hasnu left Dacca for USA. He stopped in Loondon and stayed with me This was fast time two brothers way from beloved home. We had good time. After that as his own famille grown bigger I did not see him much but kept in touched. We both brothers helped the famille to moulded. All my brothers and sisters are blossoming in life. We can put our head up and set loudly we did it. My beloved Hasnu in your travel if you see Mom Dad bro appa chot appa in haven tell them we are doing fine. My sweet brother keep smiling. God Allah bless you RIP. Your brother Kaiser
September 6, 2013
August 23, 2013
Jaffor Ullah began recording the concerts of the New Orleans Black Chorale at Trinity Church and Xavier University in 2008. When I first met him I was immediately impressed by his professionalism and technical ability relative to recording large choral groups in a concert setting. Beyond this however, I knew at our first meeting that Jaffor was open and kind, and ready to be of service.
Jaffor took pride in his recording projects meticulously placing microphones and painstakingly mixing and mastering the final cassette discs that he presented to the group. I was always a little bothered by the fact that Jaffor would not charge or accept a fee that was even close to commensurate to what his talent, time, and labor were worth. Still, as I got to know him better I came to understand that Jaffor Ullah was a generous man.
As it did not take long for one to notice that he was open and kind, through only brief and intermittent interactions with Jaffor one would easily notice that he was a smart man. It was not until April of 2012 when I went to his office at the USDA did I learn that the person that I referred to as Jaffor was really “Dr. Ullah.” While I knew that he was an intelligent and gracious man, it was only at that time that I became aware of his academic and professional status.
Today as we remember him, we are assured by the fact that Dr. Ullah possessed insights that far out-passed what we might call sophistication. Ullah's knowledge, style and humility approached, to a great degree, the all-encompassing love and wisdom of The Almighty. So In remembering the life of Dr. Abdul Hasnat Jaffor Ullah we can say in humble submission to His wisdom and will that “God is Good! God is Great!”
Peace and Love to the Family and Friends of Dr. Ullah,
Dr. John E. Ware
Conductor/Musical Director
New Orleans Black Chorale
Rosa Keller Endowed Professor of Music
Xavier University of Louisiana
Joseph Seoane
August 31, 2013
I had the privilege of knowing Dr. Ullah. To say that he will be missed is an understatement. I thoroughly enjoyed our many conversations. He always had a way of making me laugh and most of all making me think.
I pray that his family find peace and comfort during this time.
Fahad Ullah
August 31, 2013
I never had a chance to talk to chachu (uncle) for an extended period of time when he used to visit us but I do remember how he loved every single person in our family. He had a photographic memory of something that had happened some 40 years ago and it was always interesting to listen to those stories. He was also the only family member who accumulated the largest collection of old, rare family photos, which always put a smile on my face.
Because of his loving heart for his brothers, sisters, and rest of the family, I am very grateful to be here in the States. Without his effort to bring them here, I honestly don't know where I would be.
I was very shocked to hear about his stroke that lead to his death and very sorry we could not be there for the funeral. May he Rest in Peace. And I hope he knew, everyone here loved him very much.
Your nephew
Albinas Jehan Prizgintas
August 28, 2013
In one sense, you could probably say that I didn't know Jaffor very well. Since we met, many years ago, our time together was pretty much limited to once-a-year weekend reunions for Bach Around the Clock, my parents' 29-hour musical extravaganza. I would come in town to help with the production side of things, and Jaffor would do the recording and sound engineering. Every year, then, Jaffor and I would greet each other before the concert started—Jaffor, without fail, showing up early to ensure that his recording equipment was set up long before the performers arrived. Once the concert started, we'd work together and, whenever we had a free moment, would take breaks together to grab some coffee. Shortly after the concert ended, I'd fly back home, and we'd do it all again the next year.
Despite the limited amount of time we actually spent together, however, I believe I knew Jaffor very well. It's commonly said that a person's character is not made during trying times; rather, it is shown. And it's in that type of sense that I can speak about Jaffor: after he'd been awake for 29 hours, eaten nothing but crackers and finger sandwiches, and drank innumerable cups of coffee.
This is what I know about Dr. Jaffor Ullah: He was invariably kind, thoughtful, and generous. Like my mom, Manon, he was also inexhaustible, giving the Energizer Bunny a serious run for his money. But most importantly, in my view, is this: He treated everyone equally. It didn't matter who was performing, be it Ellis Marsalis or a 16-year-old on stage for the first time, Jaffor approached each act with the exact same level of professionalism. All musicians—regardless of their skill, regardless of when they were performing, regardless of who was in the audience—received Jaffor's full attention and care.
Dr. Jaffor Ullah was a remarkable man. My parents and I, and countless musicians in the City of New Orleans and beyond, will forever be indebted to him for all that he has done for us.
Jaffor and Cornell Univ colleagues, 2006.
Rashad Ullah
August 28, 2013
The entire family at Riaz's graduation
Rashad Ullah
August 28, 2013
Jaffor at work, 2004
Rashad Ullah
August 28, 2013
Jaffor as a 19-year-old
Rashad Ullah
August 28, 2013
Jaffor as a 6-year-old
Rashad Ullah
August 28, 2013
Jaffor and his three kids, late 1989
Rashad Ullah
August 28, 2013
Jaffor and his wife Purobi in the early 1980s
Rashad Ullah
August 28, 2013
Jaffor and his longstanding colleague Kandan
Rashad Ullah
August 28, 2013
Jaffor and Rashad in Urbana, Illinois
Rashad Ullah
August 28, 2013
Jaffor at Multnomah Falls, Oregon
Rashad Ullah
August 28, 2013
Jaffor in his 20s...
August 28, 2013
Jolly Rahman
August 27, 2013
I miss you dearly, my choto bhaia. You were my mentor. I asked you for advice in every step of my life and my children/spouse's life. Where should I go now if I need advice? May Allah guide me. May Allah give you peace.
Your sister
Jolly Rahman
Dr. Hasan Ali
August 26, 2013
I was very shocked to hear about the sudden cardiac arrest of my longtime friend, Dr. Ullah whom I call Hasnat. This news broke my heart because we dreamed big together. I first met Hasnat at the dorm of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) Mymensingh. I was his roommate and eventually became long time friends. Soon after our graduation, we started applying to different universities in the USA and we were both fortunate enough to earn scholarships at University of Cincinnati in Ohio and became roommates again from1970 to 1974. Besides our higher education, we actively participated for the cause of Bangladesh Independence Movement. Hasnat was very vocal and helped to reach out to newspapers, radio stations, marched in front of United Nations in New York and posting posters at the universities back in 1970. There are so many talents of Hasnat. He was a writer, editor for newspapers, guitar player, taught me photography, teacher, researcher, avid gardener to name a few. He also enjoyed helping others. Later Hasnat moved to Urbana Champagne and started a family and I did in Ohio. After starting our own families, our relationship as friends became even deeper. When Hasnat's first son, Rashad was born we drove from Ohio to Illinois to welcome their new baby boy. We kept in touch by visiting each other every year on holidays. Later Hasnat joined USDA so his family relocated to Louisiana. My wife and I was able to visit Hasnat's family in New Orleans. It was the last time we met face to face, however our long hourly phone conversations kept us together. Hasnat used to share his research and retirement plans with me often. Unfortunately, his life ended by cardiac arrest. In spite of my desire to visit him and attend his funeral, I could not travel due to my own health conditions. I regret that I was not able to give him a final goodbye or console his family. May God bless him and help his family heal soon.
Md Islam
August 26, 2013
It is very unfortunate to me to lost him. He was my professional guardian down here in SRRC. As a fellow Bangladeshi, we exchange lots of idea, conversations since my joining down here. He had sound knowledge in may areas like protein chemistry, gardening etc. I liked his hobby to build up a commercial citrus and tropical fruits garden in Southern Florida. He had also very good knowledge on personal financial management which inspired me. I pray to almighty Allah for his depart soul that may give him Jannatul ferdous. Amin.
Mary An Godshall
August 26, 2013
I am very sad about the untimely death of Dr. Jaffor Ullah. It is a great loss to the community. We worked at the same place, although in different areas. Dr. Ullah was always a lively, spritely, excited, joyful presence, passionate about everything he did -- asking questions or making remarks at a seminar, talking about the SRRC garden, and music. One somehow always felt a little better after an encounter with Jaffor.
My condolences to his family. May they find comfort in their many happy memories.
Shannon Beltz
August 26, 2013
I worked only a few doors down from Jaffor at SRRC for 16 years. It is already different without him here, I will miss his smiling face and happy conversation. I spent most of my first days at this job in a lab adjoining his, and quickly engaged in conversations, discussions, and laughter with him on a regular basis. He was very passionate about his work, his family, and his music. And we discovered something else we had in common ... a love for birds. We would routinely discuss our pet birds and their quirky habits.
Jaffor contributed much to our workplace, as a scientist and as a friend. He will be missed. My condolances to his children, wife, and family.
Sukhamaya (Sam) Bain
August 24, 2013
I am deeply saddened by the untimely death of Dr. A. H. Jaffor Ullah. Dr. Ullah was a good friend of mine, although we lost contact lately. I met him sometime in 1995 when I was doing a summer teaching job at Tulane University. In the summer of 1996 we used to meet quite often. At that time I was a researcher at the USDA Southern Regional Research Center, away from my regular faculty position at Xavier University, and Dr. Ullah was a senior researcher there.
Dr. Ullah was not only an outstanding scientist; he was a great humanist as well. He was a prolific writer, prompting human rights in the Indian subcontinent as well as in the world in general.
The death of Dr. Ullah is indeed a great loss for the secular humanists in his native country of Bangladesh and beyond. I salute Dr. Ullah for his contributions to rational discourses on human right issues.
My parents holding me as a baby.
Rashad Ullah
August 23, 2013
My full name is Rashad Jaffor Ullah. I share part of this name with my father, and I could not be more humbled to share a name with this amazing man.
His story is the canonical immigrant story. Or, more accurately, the canonical international student story.
He came to America in 1969 as a graduate student with barely a hundred dollars in his pocket and with big dreams. He achieved many of these dreams in his accomplished life. But he kept dreaming big. I know for a fact he “dreamed big” through to the end of his waking days because he mentioned his most recent dreams—to retire on a citrus farm—only the night before his tragic, premature cardiac arrest. He never woke up after his cardiac arrest, which is why I say…he lived fully, and up to the very end, he dreamed big.
It was a year I got to see my father more often than usual. En route to his and my sister's trip to Bangladesh this past December, they stopped and stayed with me at my new home for a few nights. After his return to the U.S., in late February, my father one night suggested to me on the phone that I get a cherry tree for my empty front yard. The next day, a neighbor offered me a cherry tree out of the blue. “What a coincidence!” I thought. I planted it. It looked like a bare stick for many months, but took off in mid-May and is still thriving. It is a living memento of my father's world in my new world in Washington, DC.
The last time I saw my father awake was in South Florida, two weeks before his cardiac arrest, in a small family vacation. One of the last things he and I did together, just the two of us, was a simple gesture—we picked out wooden windchimes from a market in Key West. These windchimes struck a chord with us—figuratively and literally (they forms notes on a scale). When I got home to Slidell the day he collapsed, after seeing him in the Intensive Care Unit, I looked up at the house and saw, and heard, the windchimes.
Every time the wind blows through those ethereal wooden chimes, Abba, I will think of you. Along with an infinite array of moments—rose bushes, fruit plants, Bengali literature, linguistics, Indian ragas, Western classical music, secular philosophy, camera lenses, audio mixing boards, manual transmission, long road trips, and so much more, where I will have no choice but to remember you. I love you, Abba. And I miss you.
Ken Ehrlich
August 23, 2013
Jaffor was a dear colleague and friend. Jaffor excelled in so many varied disciplines and was the essence of someone in love with knowledge. He was such a vibrant person and so full of life. It is hard to believe he is now gone. His joy and success in protein purification and characterization, his love of music, both Bengali and Western and joy in seeing his garden thrive are highlights of a life lived fully.
The many hours I was able to share his passions with him will remain an enduring memory for me. May the fruits of his labors continue to comfort those who knew him well for his memory is a blessing.
In your memories and in the memories of his friends, he will live on.
Andrew Mackenzie
August 23, 2013
I am very saddened to hear about the death of Dr. Ullah. Though I never met Dr. Ullah, I am good friends with his son Rashad, and after reading the obituary there is no question from whom Rashad inherited his extraordinary musical talents, intellectual gifts, and sense of empathy. My deepest condolences to the entire Ullah family.
American Heart Association
August 23, 2013
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
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