Barrister Zaima Rahman, daughter of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, took part in a lively and warm interaction with 90 meritorious young students from Kasba and Akhaura upazilas of Brahmanbaria.
During the nearly three-hour event, she attentively listened to the children's dreams, future aspirations and personal interests, while sharing her own thoughts on how the country could move forward.
The programme was organised by Mehvine Rahman Munia, the eldest daughter of Mushfiqur Rahman, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Finance and Member of Parliament for Brahmanbaria-4 (Kasba-Akhaura). The event was held at Lakeshore Hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm on Tuesday.
From the outset, Zaima Rahman maintained a friendly and engaging rapport with the children. She told them that academic achievement alone was not enough and encouraged them to devote attention to literature, culture, sports and creative activities. She emphasised that developing diverse skills was essential for contributing meaningfully to society and the nation.
At one stage, she asked the children about their ambitions and future plans and also shared various experiences from her own life. Through open discussions, she advised them to grow into confident and compassionate individuals.
The conversation later turned to cooking, and Zaima Rahman asked whether any of the children could cook. When several students responded positively, she jokingly asked, “If I visit your area, what will you cook for me?” The children replied that they would prepare biryani. When she expressed a wish to have hilsa fish along with the biryani, the room erupted in laughter and excitement.
Responding to the children's requests, she signed autographs on their T-shirts and joined them for lunch. Her warmth and simplicity left a strong impression on the students.
Jafnah Islam Nazifa, an eighth-grade student of Kasba Government Girls’ High School, said, “I never imagined that Zaima Apa would come so close to us and spend time talking with us. She encouraged us to participate in sports and creative activities alongside our studies.”
Nahian Osman Rahin, a third-grade student of Ramdhan Nagar Government Primary School, said, “I was very happy to meet the Prime Minister’s daughter. She advised us to listen to our parents and study regularly.”
Assistant teacher Jannatul Ferdous Babli said the children had a wonderful time with Zaima Rahman. “She called each child over individually, listened to them, shared stories from her own life, spoke about her dreams, signed T-shirts, ate with them and spent nearly three hours with the children.”
Akhaura Upazila Primary Education Officer Dr Daulat Hossain Bhuiyan said the discussion had greatly inspired the students. “She listened carefully to the children and spoke openly about herself as well.”
Kasba Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Shamiul Islam described the event as a unique and inspiring experience for the children of Kasba and Akhaura, adding that it would have a positive impact on their future development.
Akhaura UNO Tapasi Rabeya said the programme was an excellent initiative for motivating young students.
Among those present were Mushfiqur Rahman, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Finance and Member of Parliament, Kasba UNO Md Shamiul Islam, Akhaura UNO Tapasi Rabeya, education officials and other concerned individuals.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
