Tributes are being paid to the president of Britain’s largest Muslim student society after he drowned in a freak swimming accident in Switzerland last weekend. Bashir Osman had headed up the Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS) since 2014, and had been visiting colleagues at a youth organisation for European Muslims. He had been swimming in a river in the Landquart District of Graubünden on Saturday, when a freak current swept him away.
A statement from FOSIS, which represents more than 115,000 students, read: “Bashir passed away in a drowning incident having fallen under rough waters for over 10 minutes. By the time the rescue services found him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Former president Omar Ali added: “He was a man who made everyone smile and laugh. He was a brother who cared for those around him. He was a Muslim who worked tirelessly to help humanity. He was an inspiration to the young and old all around the UK and Ireland. He had a unique ability to make so many feel special and hold a place in their heart for him.”
