‘Bangladesh has lost an idol’

"Bangladesh has lost an idol. We lost a legend," said Sadequa Hassan Sejuti, secretary general of Bangladesh Federation of Women Entrepreneurs (BFWE).

BFWE President Rokia Afzal Rahman was very humble towards people, Sejuti, also managing director of Amar Desh Amar Gram, told The Daily Star.

"She has worked for every human being. She would help everyone who came to her for help. Her humbleness was unique. And, despite being so successful, the way she could mingle so humbly with people was unbelievable," Sejuti said in her instant reaction over the death of Rahman.

Rokia was very supportive of other female businesspersons and personally helped them in marketing and branding their business, she said, adding, "I have learned from her every day while working with her in the association."

Referring the last conversation with Rokia, Sejuti quoted her as saying: "Sejuti, keep this association going like this… One thing I realised during Covid that many people will be happy if they get a phone. If we can do this sincerity, keep the networking running, and show a little sympathy, or stand by them -- that will be the main goal of our association."

"She taught me a big thing that it is not only the duty of the association (BFWE) to do work or arrange a training, it is also important to keep information on how a member's family and personal lives are going on," Sejuti said.

Sharing memories while working together at BFWE, Sejuti said, "In my personal life, she was my mother, she was my guardian and she was my idol. Not only me, every woman who has worked with her will say the same thing."

Talking about her (Rokia) dedication to work, Sejuti said her successful aspect was that if she took up any work, she could do the job smartly and successfully.

"Her direction and vision were unbillable. She was also super smart in business. If we can take a little bit from her, we can bring success in our life," Sejuti added.

Expressing deep condolences over her death, Sejuti said: "I feel exactly the same pain in her death as I did when my mother died. We can't really put it into words. I cannot accept his death in any way. I can't believe it still."