My Parents
আজকের দিনে মা-বাবার বিষয়ে কিছু কথা
Our mother is Rokeya Begum. She was born in 1930 in an elite Muslim family in Nazarpur village of Homna sub-district in the then Tripura district. Her father, Mr. Abdul Majid, was a member of the jury board of the then Comilla District (known as Tripura District) Magistrate Court and president of the local council. Our grandmother Ms. Nurunnahar Begum was also a philanthropist, a brave woman who worked for ensuring justice in society. My mother was also a learned, kind and benevolent lady in the society of that time. With her silent support, many families have been able to lead a comfortable life during the crisis. She used to keep this matter of support very secret. We are a little astonished to see this list after her death.
Our father Dr. Md. Yeaqub Ali. His ancestral home is in Krishnanagar village under Bancharampur sub-district of Brahmanbaria district of Bangladesh. He was better known as 'Doctor Yeaqub'. He appeared on the merit list in the matriculation examination held under Calcutta University in 1923. This achievement of the first Muslim student from a remote village school, Ujanchar KN High School, drew huge attention in the area and inspired many people. He later obtained his HSC from Dhaka College and his medical degree from Mitford Medical School (now known as Sir Salimullah Medical College). He was a renowned physician appointed under the then Comilla District Board. He had an outstanding contribution to the medical services of the war-wounded freedom fighters who participated in the war of liberation in 1971. They encouraged their children to participate in the liberation war. They never looked for certificates to identify themselves as freedom fighters. They thought it was their responsibility to serve the country when it was in need. As I read them, they were not interested in formal recognition as a veteran freedom fighter.
A lifelong education fan, this couple has eight sons and four daughters. Most of their children have the highest degree in the university and all of them are well-established in the society. Some of them are Engineers of Bangladesh Railway, Software Engineers, Joint Secretary of the Government, General Managers of Banks and Financial Institutions, and some administrative officers of schools. They had good relationships with their daughters-in-law. Our mother performed the holy Hajj three years before her death under the care of her daughters-in-law. Many of their daughters-in-law are Senior Bank Officials, Additional Secretary, and Joint Secretary of the Government, and school teachers. Many of their grandchildren are Software Engineers, Physicians, Government, and Central Bank officials. This achievement of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren can be nothing more than a source of pride for them as guardians of this family.
As a result of their outstanding support and contribution, we have all had such a comfortable life. The unconditional love of our parents has paved the way for us to establish our professional life and our dignity in society. Many of us get breathless when we try to raise one or two children. Our parents have raised 12 children, lived honestly, lived a simple life, participated actively in social events, looked after and helped their relatives. They didn't just think about themselves, they thought about others, they cooperated as much as they could.
Our mother passed away on February 2, 2020. And our father, Dr. Md. Yeaqub Ali left for the land of no return on February 3, 2000. Today our parents are not among us. They will never respond to our call in this life. Yet I say, Amma-Abba (mom-dad), you are in our lives every day. Please pray for us, forgive our mistakes. This life without you is full of hardships, emptiness, and unspeakable pain. Their contributions have never been formally thanked. In our culture, we didn’t do it. My father died 21 years ago. My mother left us a year ago. Sometimes I sit in the bed where my mother has spent the last few days, trying to find her, recall their memories. We all know that the void left by their departure will never be filled. Constantly expressing gratitude to them by contributing to society with honesty and dedication as a child - is a good idea, appreciated by many, and we also believe in it and are working on it.
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