A fierce champion of human rights and dedicated employee of the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, Xulhaz Mannan was brutally murdered on April 25, 2016, at the hands of extremists who espoused a hatred unknown to Bangladesh and contradictory to the warmth and hospitality of the Bangladeshi people. Xulhaz joined the Office of Democracy and Governance at the Mission of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Bangladesh in 2015, after serving nine years as the Protocol Specialist for the U.S. Embassy.

On the third anniversary of his death, we remember Xulhaz for his life of public service advocacy for human rights; and dedication to promoting diversity, equality, and acceptance of all people, in Bangladesh and around the world. We also renew our call upon the authorities in Bangladesh to prosecute those who committed this heinous crime and hold them accountable for their actions without further delay.

At USAID and across the U.S. Government, we value the diversity and the unique contributions of all people. We also know that no democracy is truly representative unless it listens to all of its voices. This year, USAID will be proud to award its first annual Xulhaz Mannan Inclusive Development Award to a USAID employee who demonstrates a commitment to the inclusion of marginalized populations in USAID's development efforts. We are proud to honor Xulhaz Mannan, and will continue to fight for the human rights of all people.