The ceremony was held in honor of Faraaz Hossain, 20 and Abinta Kabir, 19 who lost their lives during the siege at Holey Artisan Bakery.
Oxford College Dean Douglas Hicks said: “There are no words to capture the loss, the confusion, the rage we feel that Faraaz and Abinta were taken from this world, from us, from their lives of limitless promise that each was living.”
He also said at the the ceremony: “We press on now to share words, to remember them even in the face of unspeakable tragedy and to express joy for the lives that Abinta and Faraaz did live.”
Faraaz Hossain’s roommate Zanir Malani described him as having an unbreakable belief in doing what was right.
He also said that Faraaz’s courage was apparent all throughout his childhood.
Oxford College professor Molly McGehee spoke about Abinta’s presence in the classroom saying: “What a smile Abinta had, what radiance.”
She added: “One could easily see she was filled with light that, at times, could not be contained.”
“When I think about Abinta, whose name means beautiful, I think about light and goodness and innocence,” McGehee also said, mentioning that Abinta’s interest in exploring serious issues, including the oppression of women and ethnic minorities.
The ceremony included the campus bells ringing 39 times to symbolize the short 19 years of life for Abinta and 20 more for Faraaz.
The memorial was attended by friends and family of both the victims.
Thursday, June 04, 2026
