The Simplicity and Integrity of Hafiz Alam Sairani: A Legacy Beyond Criticism.

‘When we go to him for any work, he says no directly.’

This is what most people don’t like or criticize about him.

Today, when I got a chance to write about the most generous and honest person I have ever encountered, I would like to clarify the biggest and only criticism about him. I personally asked him, 'Why do you say no directly? People don’t like this about you.' He replied, 'Mohsin Sahab, I don’t want to give false hope to my people. If I do so, they will come again, spend 50 or 100 rupees on travel or food, and in the end, their requirement won’t be fulfilled. They will think I betrayed them. I know that people don’t like this now, but I am sure that when they understand, they will love and appreciate this nature of mine.’  He was the late Hafiz Alam Sairani.

He led an ordinary life but was an extraordinary personality. When I remember him, his simplicity stands out the most. His personality was such that whenever he arrived anywhere, people were naturally drawn to him. Talking to everyone, listening to all, and expressing his thoughts very clearly was a unique quality of Hafiz Sahab. There are numerous instances that highlight his simplicity and honesty. Despite being in such a high position, he didn’t even think of taking any extra benefit. Hafiz Sahab had decided to resign from his teacher's job while being a minister. We all stopped him from doing so, because as a minister, he was entitled to Lien Leave. But he said that if he did that, it would not set a good example for his students. And he resigned before time. One more incident, in 2009, Janab Moinuddin Shamsh, the then AIFB Leader, came from Kolkata to campaign in favor of Ali Imran Ramz’s bye-election and stayed at Hafiz Da's residence. Upon seeing the chowki (bed), and furniture lying in the rooms, Shams SB laughingly said to me, 'Does this look like the house of an ex-minister?' Of course, Hafiz Sahab led a very simple and honest life. Despite being a minister, his lifestyle remained the same old simplicity. He did not have a big house, nor did he live in luxury. His home stands as a memorial to his truthfulness and his unblemished political life, serving as a daily reminder that Hafiz Sahab was a leader who, even after many years as an MLA and a minister, remained miles away from corruption.

I had known Hafiz Sahab beforehand, but one incident further strengthened his inclination towards me. In 1995, a notice for a No Confidence motion was served to Shree Tahsil Chandra Singha, the then Pradhan of Bidyanandpur Gram Panchayat. In response, I, on behalf of the Pradhan, consulted with Advocate Ekramul Bari of the Kolkata High Court to take necessary steps for filing a writ petition in the Hon'ble High Court. Subsequently, Advocate Ekramul Bari filed the petition, and the Hon'ble Judge passed an ad interim order, declaring a "stay till further orders."

Additionally, prior to the No Confidence motion notice, an HB Grants Beneficiaries List had been approved by the concerned authority. It is important to note that HB grants were disbursed to all GPs except for Bidyanandpur. Aggrieved and dissatisfied, I reached out to Jb Ayub Hussein, Shree Parem Chand Singh, Shree Gopal Chandra Das, Jb Muslim Sarkar, and Jb Sattar SB. Together, we unanimously decided to launch a movement in the larger interest of the HB Grants beneficiaries. This movement grew into a large-scale initiative, compelling the administration to properly release and distribute the HB grants among the approved beneficiaries. Subsequently, the Pradhan was able to demonstrate his majority in the House and retained his position throughout his tenure. I was fully involved in this incident, and it was due to my efforts that we achieved this success. When Hafiz Sahab found out about all this, he patted me on the back and said, 'Very well done, Mohsin Sahab, it made my heart happy.'

I have always seen him as a friend, philosopher, and guardian. I learned a lot from Hafiz Sahab, and by applying those lessons, many tasks became much easier.

In 2008, I was elected Sabhapati of Goalpokher II Panchayat Samiti under his leadership. He often discussed various topics, especially those related to administration. One day, he told me, 'Mohsin SB, if you feel compelled to have a heated discussion with the Executive Officer, it must be one-on-one. Never make it public, as it may become a barrier to your developmental work.' Following his advice, I always maintained a good relationship with all the officers and remained respectful during my time as Sabhapati. Consequently, Goalpokher II Panchayat Samiti earned a good reputation in the district, never faced any problems, and succeeded in bringing several schemes despite being in the opposition chair.

Another incident that demonstrates how Hafiz Sahab always showed great respect to his opposition and would listen to the leaders of opposing parties as well. I went to his residence, and in the meantime, I received a call from Sirajul Islam SB, the then Congress Leader and Ex-Zilla Parishad member, regarding the construction of an ICDS Center. After the call ended, Hafiz Da asked me with whom I had been talking. I replied, 'Sirajul SB from Dharampur.' He then told me, 'Mohsin SB, you must remember that you are from a political party, but the chair is official. You should maintain the importance of the chair and its protocol. That's why you should comply with him. Always respect the leaders of other political parties too.'

These days, for political reasons, political leaders often say that there has been no development in Chakulia & Goalpokhar for the past several decades. However, I would proudly say that in the last three decades, any child who went to school for education in the area, did so in a school that was either built during the tenure of Ramzan Sahab or Hafiz Sahab. Where it used to take several hours to reach Kishanganj, today the entire area is connected by such an excellent road network that it is possible to reach Kishanganj from any corner in just a few minutes. The road from Kanki to Tilan, the bridge over Pitanu River at Fulbari Chikni (Netaar Ghaat), the Solpara Bridge between Kichaktola and Kamat Sambalpur over Sariani River, and the bridge over Pitanu River at Makhanpokher Sallia, .Bridge repairing across Sariani river in between Biprit & Parabhita amounting to Rs 20 Lac approximately — these are just some of the projects that were completed during Hafiz Sahab's time. Apart from these, funds for the construction of additional classrooms in almost every school were allotted. Pages could be written about his developmental work, but I am unable to cover it all here.

I am proud to have been involved in politics with such a person. He not only supported me, but also helped many others move forward in politics. Today, almost all the leaders in our area, whether from the opposition or not, were either Hafiz Sahab's students or worked with him in politics—Hafiz Sahab was their political guru.