COMMENTARY
Published: 04:09 AM, 16 September 2018
Sheikh Rehana: A sister behind shine and success
Bangladesh has amazed the entire world with the magnitude of socio-economic advancement it has acquired during last several years including graduation from least developed countries (LDC) under the unwavering leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, capable daughter of father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The people of Bangladesh who believe in the spirit of the Liberation War of 1971 feel proud of the achievements of Sheikh Hasina which have glorified Bangladesh on the global stage.
At the same time Bangabandhu' another competent daughter Sheikh Rehana, who is the Prime Minister's younger sister, deserves to be applauded too for the unflinching moral support she has all along extended to Sheikh Hasina during difficult times.
13th September was Sheikh Rehana's birthday which was celebrated quietly. There was no cake slicing race or show off. It was one of the most humble ceremonies one can ponder on. It is an instance of the modesty Sheikh Rehana believes in and it proves the fact that she avoids pomp and vanity.
These are certainly rare qualities which Sheikh Rehana has inherited from the simple lifestyle Bangabandhu used to lead despite being one of the most charismatic leaders of the world.
However, people got to know about Sheikh Rehana's birthday on 13th September through social networks. Millions of followers who honor Sheikh Rehana posted their greetings, compliments and best wishes for her long and successful life.
Sheikh Rehana is one of the catalysts behind the development programs Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has so soundly initiated because she has all the time stood by the Prime Minister with solid assistance and ethical stimulus. Sheikh Rehana, like Bangabandhu, has a profoundly patriotic approach to Bangladesh.
That's why she has been working for the progress of the nation most of the time in silence. This is a lesson to learn that one can serve the nation even without making much uproar. Sheikh Rehana's personality emanates with this valuable message for us.
The leaders and activists of Awami League should follow the striking role of Sheikh Rehana, her devotion for the Prime Minister, her firmness under tough circumstances, her shining functionalities behind Bangladesh's successful breakthroughs and her integrity.
While Sheikh Hasina was inside prison during the caretaker government of 2007-2008, Sheikh Rehana ran the party from London with her far-sight, dedicated vigor and bravery. Decorated leaders like Syed Ashraful Islam and former President Zillur Rahman were highly conducive to Awami League during those days of hardship.
Like Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has educated and illuminated Sajeeb Wazed Joy and Saima Wazed Putul with sophisticated knowledge and academic dexterity, Sheikh Rehana has also equipped her children Radwan Siddiq Bobby, Tulip Siddiq and Azmina Siddique Rupanti with higher academic qualifications and socio-political intellect.
Sheikh Rehana's daughter Tulip Siddiq is a politician belonging to British Labour Party. She was elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Hampstead and Kilburn in the 2015 general polls.
Moreover, Tulip Siddiq is vice-chairwoman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group against Anti-Semitism and a member of the Women and Equalities Select Committee. She was previously a councilor for Regent's Park and Cabinet Member for Culture and Communities in Camden Council.
Tulip Siddiq's intellectual and political capabilities remind us of the mountainous political superiority Bangabandhu was respected for all over the world.Sheikh Rehana's another daughter Azmina Siddique Rupanti has successfully accomplished her studies. She is also scintillating in her professional career.
Sheikh Hasina's daughter Saima Wazed Putul has earned applause from the entire world by playing substantial roles for the betterment and rehabilitation of autistic children.
Saima Wazed Putul has become a brilliant synonym for hope to the autism-affected patients in Bangladesh and beyond. This is how Saima Wazed Putul has brightened the name of Bangladesh in the international arena.
After the tragic assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, anti-liberation forces occupied the country's ruling power in an autocratic manner. Later on military ruler Ziaur Rahman and his wife Khaleda Zia ruled the country.
Khaleda Zia's two sons Tareque Rahman and Arafat Rahman Koko did not have required academic qualifications to lead the country. They did not have any impressive quality in their personal characters either with which they could convince people.
Rather volumes of corruption committed by Tareque Rahman and Arafat Rahman Koko were unearthed when the last caretaker government ran the country during 2007 to 2008.
Arafat Rahman Koko died a few years ago while Tareque Rahman has been abroad for last several years to avoid legal steps against his corruption, irregularities and other criminal charges.
On the other hand, Sheikh Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy is a highly qualified information and communication technology (ICT) expert. He is also ICT Adviser to the Prime Minister.
His participation in the Digital Bangladesh program has revolutionized the technological turf of the whole country. Joy's contribution for the launching of the first satellite from Bangladesh will remain inscribed in history in golden letters forever.
Simultaneously, Sheikh Rehana's son Radwan Siddiq Bobby is occupied as a Consultant to United Nations Development Program (UNDP). He has been working for the UN with fame and professional prowess.
The reflections of the sparkle of Bangabandhu's image can be traced in the stature of Sajeeb Wazed Joy and Radwan Siddiq Bobby both. These two young men are valuable treasures for the country and there are a lot of constructive things to learn from them for the young generation around us.
A sister in need is a sister indeed. This maxim can be duly said referring to Sheikh Rehana's loving bonds with Sheikh Hasina. At the same time both Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana will have to stay alert to resist conspiracies by the vested quarters who are allegedly trying to jeopardize the government as the next election is coming up shortly.
The writer is an entrepreneur, diplomat, social activist
and business analyst
