An Open Letter to Barrister Zaima Rahman

Dear Barrister Zaima Rahman:

A heartfelt welcome to you and your parents on your return to Bangladesh -- your land of birth.

As your father once addressed me as uncle, I hope it will not be considered presumptuous if I address you as my grandniece. This is not merely a term of affection, but one justified by the privilege I have had of receiving the love and warmth of your grandparents. That story is a long one, and I have reflected on it many times in my articles and writings.

On a serious note, let me first introduce you -- to yourself.

You were born into one of the most popular and beloved families in this country, a family elevated to this position not by chance or miracle, but by unwavering devotion and sacrifice for the nation.

President Ziaur Rahman was not only the declarer of Bangladesh’s independence and a gallant freedom fighter; he was also one of the most successful and respected leaders in our history -- admired not only by his countrymen but across the wider world.

Equally remarkable was your grandmother, Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

Emerging from the towering shadow of her husband, she established herself, in her own right, as a principled, courageous, and uncompromising leader. Unlike your grandfather’s trajectory, hers was marked by relentless struggle -- long incarcerations, political persecution, and a path strewn with thorns rather than comfort.

Yet it was precisely this indomitable perseverance that secured her an indelible place in the hearts and minds of the people. This was resoundingly manifested in her historic victory in the 1991 general election, when she became the country’s first woman Prime Minister -- a mandate she would later receive twice more.

The depth of public affection for your grandparents was unmistakably reflected in the vast human oceans that gathered at their funerals. Your grandfather was tragically assassinated at a young age by misguided elements within the military, yet the magnitude of his final farewell drew unprecedented global media attention and was followed by prolonged state mourning.

Ironically, his detractors have vanished into the oblivion of history. The same was true in the case of your grandmother. 

History records these moments clearly.

Your grandmother, unlike others who chose exile, faced adversity with resolute courage. Rather than fleeing, she chose imprisonment over escape, confronting her adversaries head-on with dignity and resolve. Her nemeses could never break her will. 

Your father, too, endured unspeakable physical torture and prolonged incarceration at the hands of those who once benefited from his mother’s trust. Eventually, under grave threats, he was forced into exile. Upon his return, you have witnessed firsthand the depth of public sympathy and affection for him.

The massive crowds, the nationwide attention, and the spontaneous outpouring of support strongly suggest that he stands poised to become the country’s next elected Prime Minister.

I have drawn this seemingly labyrinthine vignette for one purpose alone: to underscore your place in this country -- your place in the collective imagination of its people, your place in its unfolding history and the legacy of your family you carry on your shoulders. This is, in many ways, a fait accompli.

Since your return on December 25, you must have noticed the extraordinary public attention and curiosity surrounding you. I, too, have observed -- closely and intuitively -- your posture, composure, and quiet presence beside your father.

Though silent, your dignified bearing among foreign dignitaries projects grace and restraint. Your subtle gestures, your choice of attire, and your overall demeanor unmistakably reflect strength of character and quiet confidence. I also think that the people discover the image of your grandmother in you, while the Gen Z youths see you as a beacon of hope and light. 

This brings me to the question of your future.

Broadly speaking, two paths lie before you. One leads into national politics, almost by birthright; the other toward a quieter private life, dedicated to the practice of law.

Should you choose the former, be prepared for a life of immense challenge -- fraught with sacrifice, uncertainty, and real danger. Politics is intoxicated by power, yet it also offers the rare opportunity to serve the nation and its people. In this arena, service and risk walk hand in hand.

The alternative -- a private professional life -- may offer peace and relative anonymity, but given your lineage, it may never be entirely fulfilling. As your grandfather once urged the late Dr. Badruddoza Chowdhury when inviting him into public life: Do not live to regret that you had the chance to serve your nation and chose not to.

As I see it, you cannot entirely escape the pull of politics. For you, it is both a historical inheritance and a birth-imposed responsibility. People have already begun to see in you a future leader. In this part of the world, dynastic legacies carry undeniable influence, and female leadership is neither novel nor unwelcome.

From Sirimavo Bandaranaike and Chandrika Kumaratunga in Sri Lanka, to Indira Gandhi in India, Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan, Begum Khaleda Zia in Bangladesh, and Sheikh Hasina -- each bore the heavy price of public life. Leadership, especially for women, exacts a formidable cost.

The moment of choice will come in due course. Until then, you have the invaluable opportunity to observe, learn, and understand how politics truly works.

Whatever path you ultimately choose, I offer you my sincere best wishes. May your journey ahead be guided by wisdom, courage, and purpose -- and may it be as smooth and fulfilling as destiny permits.

Ashraf Ud Doula is a freedom fighter, a retired Secretary and former Ambassador. He can be reached by email : [email protected].