If someone, after my father, inspired me most, he is Professor M Harunur Rashid - to me always Harun sir. He had a deep passion for man and nature. In 2003 he inspired me to form an organization called Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh, later in 2012 renamed WildTeam. He looked up his old colleague, Professor Md. Anwarul Islam. One day we three had lunch together and discussed its formation. From our working lunch we called Dr Noazesh Ahmed, Enam Ul Haque, Philip Gain and Barrister Ishrat Mahmud. They all kindly agreed, and we formed the Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh.

Harun sir guided us to let WildTeam grow. He wanted to see a greener, wilder Sundarbans and Ecologically Critical Area, where the communities are restorers and stewards of their nature. Our skilled and dedicated team members have been working in the region together with the people of the Sundarbans to conserve tigers for over 16 years. We are a constant presence in the area, maintaining our commitment and relationship with the communities through the continued operation of our key field interventions. WildTeam retains an experienced core team between projects, and thus retains and deepens our field experience, our personal relationships, and our trust within the communities. We are facilitating the communities from within to create their own, realistic, and thus sustainable solutions.

Harun sir left us on November 26. WildTeam had their AGM on November 16, ten days earlier. Harun sir joined us virtually from his hospital bed. We all became emotional when he said: "I love you all". We give you our words of honour that we shall take WildTeam a long way and try and fulfill your dreams someday. May Allah the Almighty bestow eternal peace upon you.

The author is Founder, WildTeam