‘I want to be by my grandfather’ – Zaima Rahman’s emotional post about Khaleda Zia

Zaima Rahman, the daughter of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, has shared an emotional memory of her eldest son and acting chairman of the party, Tarique Rahman. Addressing Khaleda Zia as ‘Grandpa’, she posted a childhood picture of herself with her father on her Facebook post on Tuesday (December 23), saying that she wants to be by her grandfather’s side and wants to support her father in every way during this time.

In the post, Zaima Rahman wrote that one of her fondest memories of her grandfather is Khaleda Zia’s compassionate role as the guardian of the family. She mentioned that the memory of showing her grandfather the medal she won after winning a school football tournament at the age of 11 is still deeply embedded in her mind. She listened attentively and felt proud when she told her grandfather about her experience as a goalkeeper – which she later shared with others.

Jaima Rahman said that she always knew that her grandfather was responsible for a country. To millions of people, he was the Prime Minister of the country, but to them, he was an affectionate 'Grandpa'. Jaima mentioned that she got her first lesson in leadership through checking up on her family, giving time, and providing courage at important moments.

She also wrote that the 17 years of exile outside Bangladesh made her realistic and global-minded. However, she never forgot her roots, culture, and values. The time spent in London brought a sense of purpose to her thinking, although she mentioned that her heart and mind were always in Bangladesh.

Highlighting her experience working in the legal profession, Jaima Rahman wrote that while working with people, she learned a sense of responsibility, justice, and standing by the side of people in danger. Every case and story of people has had a deep impact on her thoughts and consciousness and has further strengthened the idea of ​​what she wants to be as a person.

In the post, she further mentioned that she grew up listening to her 'grandfather's' stories of honesty and patriotism even though she never met him. She said that she continues to carry that ideal through her grandfather and father. She also mentioned playing a role behind the scenes before and after the 24th mass uprising and August 5.

Describing the feeling of returning home after many years as emotional, Jaima Rahman wrote that upon returning home, she wants to be by her grandfather's side and help her father in every way. She also expressed her commitment to play the highest role for the country as a responsible citizen. Along with this, she also expressed her desire to learn about Bangladesh anew by talking directly to the people.

She said that people's curiosity and expectations surround her family - sometimes of hope, sometimes of questions. Jaima Rahman also wrote that they feel the responsibility to fulfill those expectations. In her own words, she said, this is her story, and she urged everyone to move forward together by holding their own stories.

It is worth noting that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will return home with his daughter Jaima Rahman on December 25 after a long 18-year exile. The regular flight of Bangladesh Biman carrying them is scheduled to land in Dhaka at 11:55 am on that day.