My friendship with Shawkat dates back to the early seventies and has endured the test of time. He was a wonderful, warm host, full of friendly welcome in his very interesting old Dhaka home, which belonged to his father-in-law Mr.RP Shaha.

Mr. Shaha was killed by the Pakistan occupation army along with his only son in 1971.The tradition of hospitality in the home started by Mr. Shaha was maintained by Shawkat in his inimitable manner during Eid and New Year. There used to be annual Durga Puja in Mirzapur, which was attended by thousands of guests. Shawkat continued to be the affable host.

Shawkat's friendship ran through my family. He was a very close friend of my cousin Mokhlesur Rahman, who recently passed away and we had to hide the news from him because his daughter Ranju felt that the shock would be too much for him. The two of them were tied with unbreakable bond of friendship. Shawkat would always ask me news of his friend Moko, who lived in the Isle of Wight in England since the early seventies. I was the link man between the two.

My younger brother Dr. Ashraf-uz Zaman recounts Shawkat's hospitality when during his student days in Paris he had gone to London, where Shawkat was studying to become a barrister. My brother had an accidental meeting with Shawkat, who took him to his flat and kept him and cooked for him. Shawkat was an accomplished cook and gourmet.

On my return to Bangladesh in 1985 after working as Acting Secretary General of the OIC in Jeddah, I joined Sheikh Hasina as her adviser. I found Shawkat a dedicated worker for the Awami League. I learnt that he had been presented to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and remained a dedicated worker for the Awami League till his death.

He was a politician and worked tirelessly in his constituency near Mirzapur and was elected Member of Parliament. He worked for the betterment of the lot of his village voters and never took anything in return. Indeed during his long career with the Awami League, he occupied no post from Bangabandhu, and upon my suggestion Sheikh Hasina made him the treasurer of the party.

It was common sight when Shawkat would lead Awami League processions through the streets of Dhaka. Barrister Shawkat Ali Khan is the most incorruptible political leader that I have known.

I cannot end my brief tribute without a word on the wonderful loving relationship between Shawkat and his wife Bijoya. They were an example for couples to follow. Bijoya is ailing in Mirzapore. I pray for her rapid recovery. Amen.

Arshad-uz Zaman is a former Ambassador and Acting Secretary General, OIC.