Four Years Later, Four Reasons Xulhaz Mannan is Still Remembered
The lasting legacy of a USAID human rights advocate
On April 25, 2016, USAID was shocked, horrified, and saddened by the brutal murder of our colleague Xulhaz Mannan, and his friend and fellow human rights activist Mahbub Rabbi Tonoy, by extremists in his home in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Xulhaz has been part of the USAID Mission’s Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance office.
Xulhaz died protecting human rights. He was a courageous defender of the rights of all people, dedicating his life to forging a society that was more tolerant, diverse, and inclusive — ideals which underpin human dignity. This was in contrast to the continued criminalization of homosexual relations and intolerance toward the LGBTI community in Bangladesh.
At USAID, and across the U.S. Government, we value the diversity and unique contributions of all people, and work to create a world where we can live with dignity, free from discrimination, persecution, and violence. We also know that no democracy is truly representative unless it listens to all of its voices.
On the fourth anniversary of Xulhaz’s death, read about four ways he continues to be remembered.
1. Courageous Champion of Human Rights
Xulhaz demonstrated a passion for helping others from an early age, and devoted his life to promoting progress in Bangladesh. Known for his limitless energy, he promoted HIV testing and awareness. And, in the face of powerful opposition, published what became Bangladesh’s first and only non-profit, non-partisan, and volunteer-based LGBT magazine, Roopbaan, in 2014.
This was met with enthusiasm from gender diverse Bengalis, but also induced death threats against Xulhaz and the gender diverse community. Undeterred, Xulhaz organized a rainbow rally in conjunction with the annual Bengali New Year parade on April 14, 2014 — the first of its kind in Bangladesh. Men wore solid kurtas in all colors of the rainbow, and created a rainbow flag in silent protest about how there is no recognition of gender diverse populations by the government. The parade was celebrated for its demonstration of solidarity for respect and diversity in Bangladesh.
“Despite great risks, Xulhaz lived out his belief in the essential dignity and freedom of all people in every facet of his life,” said USAID Asia Bureau Acting Assistant Administrator Gloria Steele. “ Xulhaz even opened up his home to shelter the most vulnerable. He was tragically murdered because of this work, but his commitment to advancing freedom in Bangladesh lives on.”
2. Dedicated and Caring Colleague
Xulhaz joined USAID’s Office of Democracy and Governance in 2015, after serving for nine years as the distinguished Protocol Specialist for the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, where he was a founding member of the U.S. Embassy Dhaka Diversity Committee. At USAID, Xulhaz worked tirelessly to support efforts to combat trafficking-in-persons, address gender-based violence, and promote human rights for all citizens of Bangladesh. He was also known for being a caring and supportive co-worker. One day he placed flowers from his own garden on colleagues desks, as a gesture of friendship. He also had tea every day for eight months with colleagues, and discussed religion, culture, and how much he loved good food, among other topics.
“He had a way of making everyone feel special and the time he dedicated to each relationship made him each person’s unique and special friend,” said former USAID/Bangladesh Mission Director Janina Jaruzelski. “At USAID, and throughout the Embassy, we will honor his memory by continuing to fight for the rights of all people, regardless of race, gender, religion, or ethnicity.”
3. Lasting Legacy
In 2018, in the spirit of honoring Xulhaz’s legacy, USAID established the flagship Inclusive Development Award to honor USAID champions in human rights, nondiscrimination, and inclusion. The first award was given to Sopheap Sreng last year, a Foreign Service National from USAID’s Mission in Cambodia, for his commitment to the inclusion of marginalized populations in USAID’s development efforts.
“As we remember Xulhaz Mannan let’s continue working together through the inclusive development approach to reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, and help people emerge from humanitarian crises around the world,” said Luis Duran, the 2020 award winner and a Foreign Service National at USAID’s Mission in the Dominican Republic.
4. Lover of Life
By all accounts, Xulhaz was a lover of life. His passion for the arts, dancing, traveling, nature, community service, and his sheer joy in being alive brought happiness to all those around him. Most of all, Xulhaz loved Bangladesh. In the last months of his life, though he was aware of dangers, he seemed more determined than ever to create a better, more inclusive society for all Bangladeshis, whatever the cost.
“Xulhaz didn’t die. I find his soul everywhere. He is still alive in the rivers and green fields of Bangladesh and here on the walls of USAID. Let us not allow his murderers to triumph. Let the perpetrators know that Xulhaz cannot be erased,” said Minhaz Mannan, Xulhaz’s brother.
About the Author
Jessica Benton Cooney is the Lead Communications and Outreach Specialist in USAID’s Center of Excellence on Democracy, Human Rights and Governance.
