Last Tuesday afternoon was an upsetting one for this writer because of an unexpected phone call from one of my On-Line team members. He said, our Business Editor, Nizam Ahmed suddenly fell dangerously ill, could not move and needed to be taken to hospital the soonest.
Completely shell-shocked, I had no idea what to do since I dont arrive at office before 5PM. However, three of my On-Line members immediately got engaged and rushed him to the hospital with others as fast as they could. However, by 8 PM we were informed multiple times that Nizam Bhai was in life-support, and expecting the worst was only a matter of time. The quiet spoken and introvert gentleman finally passed away in the early hours of last Wednesday.
I had known Nizam Bhai for nearly 8 years after I joined Daily Observer. Though a colleague, but I never worked directly with him as he headed a different section. He used to pen a regular column for my editorial pages on various topics, read my articles and frequently commented on them. He mostly appreciated my writings, but never shied away from disagreeing in a polite manner. Inside the office he remained mostly quiet unless it was needed to speak to someone, and that too was restricted within his team members.
In short, if the late Nizam Ahmed needs to be defined from the lenses of this writer he came, he was the first to greet a colleague, worked with utmost sincerity and left. On many counts he was a man whom one could see, but not feel. His responses were too brief, avoided eye contacts, and so it was difficult to read him. He largely kept his mind and thoughts to himself.
This somewhat mysterious but mannerly quietness triggered a sudden curiosity to explore Nizam ahmed within. From regular exchange of greetings, making comments on each others writings and praying together we suddenly became friends. No wonder, by chance we met, and by chance we become friends.
What I fervently admired about Nizam Bhai is that he was a deeply religious man, but without circulating and imposing his belief on others inside the office. He rarely donned a scull-cap while praying, after returning from Hajj he grew a beard which was not Islamic or Muslim for sure but suited well to his handsome looks. He once said he didnt feel like shaving any longer.
However, Nizam Bhai is dead and I have no clue whether he is in heaven or hell. He is in his grave. The best I expect of this gentleman is that he lays in it in peace.
Ill finish by recalling a memorable funny experience with Nizam Bhai. It was more of an unintended error.
Way back in the early monsoon of 2019, I was living in our ancestral home in Elephant Road. I had a servant boy by the same name - Nizam. Before I used to return home, I usually called him from office instructing him to clean my room, switch on the air conditioner and tell the maid to cook what I preferred for dinner. It was a rainy day and I felt of having beef-Khichury.
Reasonably enough, I had two Nizams in my mobile phones contact list. I had saved the numbers numerically under 1 and 2. I called the servant boy in a haste, the call was received from the other end and I spoke usually, but there was no response. More than 20 seconds had passed. I became rather agitated and said Tuikotha bolos nakano (Why arent you responding).
Then came the polite and humorous response from the other end Shahriar Shaheb, I am busy signing the PDF version of the business pages, can I come tomorrow clean your room, turn on the AC and get your beef-Khichury?
I called the wrong Nizam, it was not my servant boy, but Nizam Bhai speaking from the other end. The rest is full of fun and history.
I and Nizam Bhai were scheduled to meet over Kacchi Biryani next Sunday at Hajir Biryanis old outlet at Nazira Bazaar, it will never take place.
Good by till we meet next time Nizam Bhai. You owe me a treat in the hereafter.
The writer is Editorial Chief, Daily Observer
Last Tuesday afternoon was an upsetting one for this writer because of an unexpected phone call from one of my On-Line team members. He said, our Business Editor, Nizam Ahmed suddenly fell dangerously ill, could not move and needed to be taken to hospital the soonest. 
