A Biography of Avijit Roy

Introduction

February 26, 2015. The chilly evening of late February. The final hours of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair.

Avijit Roy and his wife, Rafida Ahmed Bonya, were returning home on a rickshaw from the Bangla Academy premises. It was around 8:30 PM. When the rickshaw reached near the TSC (Teacher-Student Centre) intersection of Dhaka University, two young men standing in the middle of the road suddenly stopped the rickshaw. Their faces were exposed; their eyes burned with intense madness. They forcibly pulled Avijit and Bonya off the rickshaw.

Within seconds, they began striking with cleavers. The first blow landed on Avijit’s head. Second, third — blow after blow. When Bonya tried to intervene, she was also attacked. One finger of her left hand was severed instantly. The scene was drenched in blood. Before onlookers could approach, the attackers fled. Both were rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Doctors saved Bonya’s life, but Avijit was declared dead at 10:30 PM. The beloved ‘Mukto-Mona’ fell silent. Bangladesh’s free-thinking world stood still.

At a Glance — Life of Avijit Roy’s

Information	Details
Full Name	Avijit Roy
Birth	September 12, 1972 (sources vary; some say 1971)
Birthplace	Bangladesh
Death	February 26, 2015, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Father	Ajay Roy — Physics professor, Dhaka University, human rights activist, freedom fighter
Mother	Shefali Roy — Homemaker
Wife	Rafida Ahmed Bonya (Bonia Ahmed) — IT officer, USA
Children	One daughter — Trisha Ahmed
Education	B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering (BUET); M.Sc. & Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering (National University of Singapore)
Profession	Software Engineer (Atlanta, Georgia), Writer, Blogger
Blog	Mukto-Mona (Free Mind) — established May 26, 2001 (Yahoo Group); website launched 2002
Notable Books	‘Obishwasher Darshan’, ‘Bishwasher Virus’, ‘Shunno Theke Mohabissho’, ‘Somokamita’, ‘Valobasha Kare Koy’, ‘Alo Hate Choliache Andharer Jatri’, ‘Swatontro Vabna’, ‘Bigyan O Bisshash’, ‘Victoria Ocampo’ (over 15 books)
Ideals	Atheism, Humanism, Rationalism, Free Thought, Critique of Religion, Feminism, Support for Homosexuality
Award	Deutsche Welle (DW) ‘The BOBs’ Award for Best Online Activism (2015, posthumous)
Court Verdict	February 16, 2021 — five accused sentenced to death, one to life imprisonment
Legacy	‘Mukto-Mona’ continues under wife Bonya; FFRF established ‘Avijit Award’ (2018)

Early Life

September 12, 1972 (or 1971). Bangladesh had just achieved independence. The wounds of war had not yet healed. Avijit Roy was born into a Hindu family in Dhaka. His father, Ajay Roy, was a professor of physics at Dhaka University. His mother, Shefali Roy, was a homemaker.

The story of Avijit’s birth is dramatic. During the Liberation War, when the Pakistani army began persecuting Bengalis, father Ajay Roy decided to stay in East Pakistan and participate in the war. But concerned for the safety of her newborn child, mother Shefali Roy took Avijit and took refuge in India. This life of exile, his mother’s suffering, and his father’s patriotism left deep marks on young Avijit’s mind.

After the war ended and the country became independent, Shefali Roy returned to Bangladesh with her son. Young Avijit saw that his father was respected as an educator and human rights activist, establishing a platform called ‘Shomiti Moncho’ for harmony and human rights. This ideal could not help but influence the boy.

From childhood, Avijit was highly intelligent. Reading books was his passion. Browsing through his father’s vast library, he read books on science, philosophy, and history. He didn’t just read; he wanted to understand. He asked questions — why do we believe what we believe? Why are certain things ‘taboo’ in society? These questions later led him towards atheism and free thought.

Education (1990-2000)

Avijit Roy’s education was a bright example of merit and achievement. He passed his secondary and higher secondary from schools in Mymensingh or Dhaka. But his real achievement began when he enrolled in the country’s best engineering university — Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from here.

After completing his bachelor’s, he sought opportunities for higher education abroad. He was selected for Master’s (M.Sc.) and Doctoral (Ph.D.) research in Biomedical Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Biomedical Engineering is an extremely complex and high-level technology field. Avijit excelled there as well.

During his Ph.D. research, he worked on artificial organs and tissue engineering. His research papers were published in international journals. He was a scientist of extraordinary talent. After completing his Ph.D., he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, USA. There, he began working as a Software Engineer.

The Dream of ‘Mukto-Mona’ (2001-2002)

May 26, 2001. Avijit was then researching in academia in Singapore or the USA. He saw that there was no reliable platform for free thought in the Bengali language. Religious bigotry and social superstition were so intertwined that even science-minded people hesitated to express opinions publicly. He thought: the internet is a medium with anonymity. There, a community could be built of those who are for reason, against blind faith.

So on May 26, 2001, he opened a group on Yahoo Groups named ‘Mukto-Mona’ — meaning ‘Free Mind’. The goal was to create an online meeting place for Bangladeshi and South Asian atheists, humanists, rationalists, and freethinkers. The following year (2002), he left Yahoo Groups and launched his own website www.mukto-mona.com. It was South Asia’s first humanist and rationalist forum. The website quickly gained popularity. Writings included science blogs, critique of religion, politics, feminism, homosexuality, and more.

Expansion and International Recognition of ‘Mukto-Mona’ (2002-2014)

From 2002 to 2014, ‘Mukto-Mona’ gradually expanded. It became synonymous with words like ‘rationalist’, ‘atheist’, ‘humanist’ in Bengali. Those who wanted to question religious beliefs publicly began writing on ‘Mukto-Mona’. Well-known intellectuals, scientists, and philosophers wrote on the site, including Raihan Abir, Asif Mohiuddin, Ananta Bijay Das, and Muhammad Zafar Iqbal.

Not only in Bangladesh but also Bengalis living in West Bengal, other states of India, the USA, the UK, and Canada joined ‘Mukto-Mona’. It became a meeting place for international Bengali freethinkers.

In 2014, ‘Mukto-Mona’ was nominated for ‘The BOBs’ (Best of Blogs) award by German media Deutsche Welle (DW). The news gave Avijit immense joy. Unfortunately, the more popular ‘Mukto-Mona’ became, the more it came to the attention of militant organizations. It was labeled a ‘promoter of atheism’, ‘anti-Islam’, ‘destroyer of Bangladesh’s culture’. Avijit himself became a target.

Avijit Roy’s Literary Works (2005-2015)

Avijit Roy was also a renowned author. His notable books include:

• ‘Alo Hate Choliache Andharer Jatri’ (2005) — on rationalism and humanity
• ‘Mohabisshe Pran O Buddhimattar Khoje’ (2007, co-authored with Farid Ahmed) — on the search for extraterrestrial life
• ‘Swatontro Vabna: Muktochinta O Buddhir Mukti’ (2008) — on individual freedom and reason
• ‘Bishwasher Virus’ (2008) — a controversial book comparing religion to a virus
• ‘Somokamita: Boigyanik O Samajik Monosamajik Onushandhan’ (2010) — on homosexuality
• ‘Obishwasher Darshan’ (2011, co-authored with Raihan Abir) — on the philosophy of atheism
• ‘Bigyan O Bisshash’ (2012) — on the difference between science and religion
• ‘Valobasha Kare Koy’ (2012) — on love and relationships
• ‘Shunno Theke Mohabissho’ (2014, co-authored with Mizan Rahman) — on cosmology
• ‘Bishwasher Virus: Bishwasher Er Bibortonmulok Bishleshon’ (2014) — revised edition
• ‘Victoria Ocampo: Ekti Robi Bedeshinir Khoje’ (2015) — about Charles Darwin’s daughter

Each book was written in the light of reason and science. He did not hesitate to criticize religion, creating strong reactions in conservative circles.

The Lone Battle Against Religious Bigotry (2008-2013)

From the late 2000s, preparations for attacks on Avijit Roy began. He first received threats over phone, email, and social media. An organization issued a fatwa in his name. Some said, “Killing him will grant paradise.”

A militant organization, Ansarullah Bangla Team (later Ansar Al Islam), targeted him specifically. They collected his personal information and wanted the names of his wife and child. Avijit ignored all threats and remained vocal. In an interview, he said, “I have been receiving threats for a long time. I was scared at first. Later, it became a habit. You cannot be a rationalist if you fear death.”

He was somewhat cautious about security while in the USA. But when he came to Bangladesh, he hardly took security measures, believing the police and administration would protect him.

The 2013 Shahbag Movement

In February 2013, the Shahbag Movement created a platform called ‘Gonojagoron Mancho’ (People’s Awakening Stage) demanding execution of war criminals. Avijit Roy was active in this movement, supporting it virtually through ‘Mukto-Mona’.

His main protest was against the ‘Blogger Law’ and government censorship. When some atheist bloggers were arrested in 2013, he expressed outrage. He wrote letters to international organizations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the Committee to Protect Journalists, criticizing the Bangladesh government’s role.

In February 2013, when blogger Ahmed Rajib Haider was killed, protests at Shahbag intensified. Avijit stood by Haider’s family and organized rallies in New York, London, Ottawa, and Washington D.C. condemning the murder. He built a credible coalition by contacting international humanist and atheist leaders.

Arrest, Persecution, and Immigration Story

Avijit was never directly arrested because after 2006, he primarily resided in the USA. However, multiple cases were filed against him in Bangladesh. Around 2013, cases were filed for some blog posts alleging he had hurt religious sentiments. Since he did not appear in Bangladeshi courts, the cases did not progress.

Avijit believed that if he returned to Bangladesh, he might be arrested. Still, he came to the country every February to attend the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, wanting his books to reach Bengali readers. This confidence pushed him into danger.

He had immigrated to the United States and was referred to as a ‘Bangladeshi-American citizen’. His wife Bonya and daughter Trisha lived in the USA. He worked as a software engineer in Atlanta, regularly writing, managing ‘Mukto-Mona’, and conducting virtual discussions with rationalists worldwide.

Book Withdrawal from ‘Rokomari’ (2013-2014)

Avijit Roy’s books were sold on the popular online bookstore Rokomari.com. ‘Bishwasher Virus’ and ‘Obishwasher Darshan’ had made the bestseller list. But after 2013, pressure was put on Rokomari authorities. Religious groups threatened boycott and sometimes direct attacks.

In late 2013 or early 2014, Rokomari removed all of Avijit Roy’s books from their website to avoid ‘legal complications’. Avijit responded: “It is sad that there is no freedom of publication in Bangladesh. Nevertheless, my books will be available for free download as e-books on the ‘Mukto-Mona’ site.”

From then on, his books were not readily available in the market. To meet demand, fans photocopied and distributed them. He printed books with his own funding but could not easily sell them.

2014 Nomination and ‘The BOBs’ Award

In 2014, ‘Mukto-Mona’ was nominated for ‘The BOBs’ Award — a great honor. Avijit was delighted, hoping the award would bring international recognition. However, the award ceremony was in June 2015 — after Avijit’s murder.

Deutsche Welle indeed awarded ‘Mukto-Mona’ in the ‘Best Online Activism’ category. Bonya Ahmed traveled to Germany to receive the award as a tribute to Avijit. At the ceremony, she said, “Avijit wanted to live. But even death could not defeat him. His ‘Mukto-Mona’ lives on, his books live on, his thoughts will live forever.”

Last Arrival in Bangladesh (February 2015)

In February 2015, Avijit Roy came to Bangladesh with his wife Bonya and daughter Trisha. Many discouraged him, saying, “Coming now is dangerous.” But Avijit refused, knowing the Amar Ekushey Book Fair was the best opportunity to meet his readers.

Everything seemed normal. He went to the Bangla Academy fair, sat at his book stall, talked to readers, and signed autographs. The book fair premises seemed safe. But on the evening of February 26, he left the book fair and was returning home by rickshaw with his wife on a somewhat secluded path. There was no security.

February 26, 2015

The rickshaw was heading towards the TSC intersection from the Bangla Academy premises between 8:20 PM and 8:30 PM. Suddenly, two young men rushed forward and stopped the rickshaw. They climbed onto the rickshaw’s hood and forcibly pulled Bonya and Avijit down.

According to eyewitnesses, the attackers acted premeditatedly, first striking Avijit on the head. Bonya screamed and tried to intervene but was hit on her hand and head. One attacker repeatedly struck Avijit’s head, neck, and chest. The scene was drenched in blood.

When nearby people approached, the attackers fled within seconds. Local people and police quickly took them to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Doctors treated Bonya, whose one finger was severed. Bonya survived, but Avijit was declared dead around 10:20 PM. A wave of mourning swept across the country.

International Reaction and Protest After the Murder (2015)

Avijit Roy’s murder created widespread international commotion. BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera, The Washington Post, The Guardian — all broadcast the news, highlighting the growing danger to free thought in Bangladesh.

The then UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson said, “The killing of any publisher, writer, or blogger is intolerable. It is an attack on freedom of expression.” The Committee to Protect Journalists, Reporters Without Borders, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International all condemned the murder. The US State Department called on Bangladesh to swiftly bring killers to justice.

Protest rallies were held in Dhaka and various cities worldwide. Bloggers, writers, academics, and humanists took to the streets chanting ‘We are all Avijit’. Avijit’s father, Ajay Roy, told journalists, “They killed my son, but they cannot kill his thoughts. Mukto-Mona will survive, science will survive.”

Investigation, Arrest of Accused, and Evidence (2015-2017)

The day after the murder, February 27, Ajay Roy filed a case at Shahbag Police Station. Police’s detective branch and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) immediately began investigation.

On March 2, 2015 — first accused Shafiur Rahman Farabi was arrested for providing Avijit’s personal information to militants and issuing death threats on social media. In August 2015, three suspects — members of Ansarullah Bangla Team — were arrested. In November 2017, police reported that Major (dismissed) Syed Ziaul Haque (Zia) was the mastermind and head of Ansar Al Islam’s military wing.

Additionally, Arafat Rahman (Siam), Akram Hossain, Mozammel Hossain, Abu Siddiq Sohel, Major Zia, and Farabi were made the main accused. A charge sheet was filed based on eyewitness descriptions and forensic evidence.

The Court’s Verdict (2021)

On February 16, 2021 — after nearly six years — Judge Md. Mojibur Rahman of Dhaka’s Anti-Terrorism Special Tribunal announced the long-awaited verdict. Among the six accused, five were sentenced to death and one to life imprisonment.

Death sentence: Major (dismissed) Syed Mohammad Ziaul Haque (Zia), Akram Hossain (Abdullah), Mozammel Hossain (Simon/Shahriar), Arafat Rahman (Siam/Sajjad), Abu Siddiq (Sajed/Shahab). Life imprisonment: Shafiur Rahman Farabi.

The judge observed, “The accused were cruel and ruthless. Their plan was premeditated. They wanted to disrupt the country’s law and order. This murder was carried out to increase terror among science-minded and freethinking writers.”

Bonya Ahmed had mixed reactions, posting on Facebook: “The verdict has come after so many years, but have the real planners been caught? I am not satisfied.”

Major Zia (Dismissed)

Major (dismissed) Syed Mohammad Ziaul Haque (Zia), head of Ansar Al Islam’s military wing, remains a fugitive. The court announced the death sentence in his absence, and he has still not been arrested. It is alleged that Zia was not present at the scene but was involved in planning and financing. Another accused gave a statement: “Major Zia instructed us to kill Avijit Roy during the book fair.” Zia denies these allegations.

Bangladesh Police’s Counter Terrorism Unit continues efforts to arrest fugitives like Zia. As of 2026, it is unclear whether they have been arrested. Avijit’s father, Ajay Roy, passed away before the verdict (December 9, 2019), having hoped for justice until his death.

‘Mukto-Mona’ After the Murder (2015-Present)

After Avijit’s death, the future of ‘Mukto-Mona’ became uncertain. Many thought the blog might close. But his wife, Rafida Ahmed Bonya, decided to continue it. Bonya, an educated professional working in the US IT sector, took responsibility for managing the blog. She joined the admin panel, regularly posts, and encourages other bloggers and editors.

Bonya said, “Avijit wanted ‘Mukto-Mona’ to remain a platform for Bengali freethinkers. Now his physical absence should not harm the website. I am determined to fulfill his dream.”

Under Bonya’s leadership, ‘Mukto-Mona’ continues. It is still active, although its traffic has decreased. But the blog remains a major destination for secular and rationalist writing in Bengali.

‘Avijit Award’ (2018)

On February 24, 2018, the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) established the ‘Avijit Award’ in memory of Avijit Roy. It is an annual monetary award valued at $5,000, given to individuals who promote reason and science, resist religious bigotry, and establish a humane society.

FFRF cooperates with Bonya, who provides support and network from ‘Mukto-Mona’. FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor said, “Avijit Roy gave his life for his pen. He is a symbol of practicing free thought and resisting religious fundamentalism. The ‘Avijit Award’ will encourage young activists.” This award is a significant recognition for Bengali freethinkers.

Personal Life

Details of how Avijit Roy and Rafida Ahmed Bonya met and married are not known. They likely became acquainted while living in the USA. Bonya is an IT professional. They worked together to promote free thought and science. Avijit had one daughter — Trisha Ahmed — who was young at the time of the murder. Bonya is raising her in the United States.

Avijit’s family life was balanced. Although a fierce critic of religion, in personal life he was a very affectionate and sensitive husband and father. After his death, Bonya continues to struggle silently, balancing her US job and managing ‘Mukto-Mona’. Once she said, “Avijit is gone, but every morning when I open Mukto-Mona, I feel his touch.”

Avijit Roy’s Message for the Present Generation

If Avijit Roy were alive, he would tell young people: “Learn to question. Do not accept anything blindly. Read science, learn logic, go to libraries, browse the internet. Use your own head. See everything — religion, politics, society — through the eyes of reason. If someone threatens you, do not be afraid. Stand up for the truth. Be ready to embrace death like me, but never sacrifice the truth. Because there is nothing greater than truth.”

He would also emphasize improving Bangladesh’s education system, building a superstition-free society, and promoting the practice of science. He was particularly in favor of developing critical thinking among young students and was vocal for the rights of women and minorities.

Controversies and Criticism

Avijit Roy’s atheism and criticism of religion were unconventional. Critics say he presented religion too simplistically as a ‘virus’ — indecent. They claim he harshly criticized Islam but did not write much about other religions, leading to him being labeled an ‘Islamophobe’ in some circles.

Supporters say he wrote not just against religion but against all forms of blind faith and superstition. He wrote in favor of science, placing religion under scrutiny to highlight its lack of scientific basis — not hatred, but a rationalist philosophy.

To conservative Bangladesh, he was labeled ‘unbeliever’, ‘blasphemer’, ‘murtad’ (apostate). His refusal to back down led to his murder. He never apologized or retracted anything, remaining firm. Avijit never supported terrorism or violence; he believed in peaceful protest.

Unknown Facts and Curiosity

1. Avijit’s father, Ajay Roy, participated in the 1971 Liberation War.
2. When Avijit was born, his mother had taken refuge in Assam, India, due to the war.
3. While studying at BUET, he preferred practicing science over student politics.
4. ‘Obishwasher Darshan’ and ‘Bishwasher Virus’ are milestones of atheism in Bengali literature.
5. His book ‘Somokamita’ played an important role in advocating for homosexual rights.
6. After his death, American atheist organization ‘Atheist TV’ made a documentary about him.
7. His body was donated to Dhaka Medical College as per his wish — for the advancement of science.
8. ‘Mukto-Mona’ is still active; Bonya Ahmed regularly looks after it.
9. In 2018, FFRF introduced the ‘Avijit Courage Award’ valued at $5,000 annually.
10. As of 2026, it is unknown whether the five sentenced to death have been executed. Fugitive Major Zia remains at large.
11. Around 2020, Bonya complained that Bangladesh authorities have not conducted a proper investigation and real planners may not have been tried.

Legacy and Evaluation

Avijit Roy’s legacy is immortal. ‘Mukto-Mona’ is still a top free-thought blog in Bengali. His books are treated as sacred texts by atheist and rationalist Bengalis.

His father, Ajay Roy, received the Ekushey Padak in 2012 for education and science. Avijit himself was worthy of this award, but the government banned his books instead.

History will judge fairly. Those who thought of him as a ‘murtad’ still hate him. But those who believe in the light of science and reason consider him a hero. Avijit Roy’s martyrdom is a glorious chapter in Bengali free thought. He proved — to live, one must compromise, but one must also know how to die for the truth. Bangladesh’s politics did not recognize him, but he lives on in people’s hearts.

Aftermath of the Avijit Roy Murder Case Verdict (2021-Present)

After the February 16, 2021 verdict, it is unknown whether the accused appealed. The death sentence has been upheld, but execution has not been reported. Bonya Ahmed remains unsatisfied, asking: “What about real players like Major Zia who are fugitives?”

Around 2022, news came that another associate of Major Zia had been arrested, but Zia himself remains at large. Several humanist organizations claim the whole mystery has not been unraveled. The Bangladesh government is silent. The murder of Avijit Roy has not yet been fully brought to justice; some aspects remain mysterious.

Timeline

Year	Event
1971/72	September 12 — Birth; took refuge in India during Liberation War
1972/73	Returned to country after war ended
1990s	Studied Mechanical Engineering at BUET (Bachelor’s)
Late 1990s	Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore
May 26, 2001	Established ‘Mukto-Mona’ Yahoo Group
2002	Launched ‘Mukto-Mona’ website
2005	Published first book ‘Alo Hate Choliache Andharer Jatri’
2008	Published controversial ‘Bishwasher Virus’
2010	Published ‘Somokamita’
2011	Published ‘Obishwasher Darshan’ with Raihan Abir
2013	Participated in Shahbag movement
2013-14	Books withdrawn from Rokomari
2014	Nominated for ‘The BOBs’ Award
Feb 2015	Arrival in Bangladesh and book fair participation
Feb 26, 2015	Murder (8:30 PM, TSC intersection); wife Bonya injured
June 2015	‘Mukto-Mona’ receives ‘The BOBs’ Award (posthumous)
2018	FFRF establishes ‘Avijit Award’ ($5,000)
Dec 9, 2019	Father Ajay Roy’s death (aged 84)
Feb 16, 2021	Court verdict: death sentence for five, life imprisonment for one
2021-present	Search for fugitive accused Major Zia continues
Present	‘Mukto-Mona’ active under Bonya’s leadership; books available as free e-books

Conclusion

No matter how brutal the memory of February 26, 2015, the ‘Mukto-Mona’ left behind by Avijit Roy will live forever. During the 1971 war, when Shefali Roy left the country with her unborn child, that child grew up to bring revolutionary change to the country’s intellectual world. His thousands of blog posts have encouraged millions to think. His books have laid the foundation of atheist and humanist literature in Bengali.

He showed how a movement can be built from a small Yahoo Group. How, by writing one blog at a time, a mountain of bigotry can be challenged. He was not defeated; he was victorious, because today ‘Mukto-Mona’ has never closed; it continues under Bonya’s leadership. Today, a new generation practices free thought on the path shown by Avijit Roy. Some are silenced by fear, others conquer fear. Thus, Avijit Roy’s ideal is immortal.

Where is his grave? As per his wish, his body was donated to Dhaka Medical College. No grave, no monument. Only his books and his blog. Only his place in the hearts of rationalists and humanists. That is enough. The world of Bengali literature and blogging will forever remain grateful to Avijit Roy.

Final Words:

From Shahbag in Dhaka to an office in Atlanta, from BUET’s classrooms to Singapore’s laboratory, through a blog named ‘Mukto-Mona’, he spread the light of reason. Avijit Roy never held a weapon, never formed a group. His weapon was the pen, his bullets were books. He fought against blind faith, against religious bigotry, against social superstition. He won that fight throughout his life. On February 26, 2015, his body was destroyed by the blows of a cleaver, but his thoughts were not destroyed. The ‘Mukto-Mona’ blog remains unblemished today, his books are still used. The teenagers of Bangladesh still browse the internet to read ‘Bishwasher Virus’, ‘Obishwasher Darshan’. Some of those teenagers today are great scientists and philosophers. Avijit Roy’s dream will come true one day — a rational, science-minded, secular Bangladesh. The day that Bangladesh is realized, Avijit Roy’s smile will bloom. He will live forever, as long as Bengalis believe in the light of reason.