For Immediate Release
Office of Press Relations
press@usaid.gov
Statement by Administrator Samantha Power
On April 25, 2016, our hearts were broken when we learned of the brutal murder of our friend and colleague Xulhaz Mannan, a native of Bangladesh and beloved locally-employed member of USAID’s mission in Dhaka. Xulhaz was a vibrant, selfless, and loving person, a fierce champion of human rights, and a courageous advocate for equality, pluralism, and inclusion for all people—including ethnic, religious, gender, and sexual minorities.
He was targeted and killed for his activism and dedication. He exemplified the best of Bangladesh—and USAID feels privileged that he was part of our team. Each year, USAID honors his legacy through the Xulhaz Mannan Inclusive Development Award, which recognizes a staff member who carries Xulhaz’s spirit of inclusion in our programs and policies.
Today, a Dhaka court handed down a guilty verdict to six perpetrators of Xulhaz’s murder. We at USAID remain committed to Xulhaz’s memory as we continue to advocate for the dignity and human rights of people around the world.