My dearest Roki

On April 5, 2023, I lost my dearest friend, confidant, and someone who was family to my husband and I: Rokia Afzal Rahman. Known to me, fondly, as Roki.

My husband Shamim (Latifur Rahman) and I were extremely fond of both Roki and Harun Bhai. Our strong bond was formed over the years as we went through some of the most wonderful times together while also standing strong by each other during the most trying times.

Over the years, Roki did not simply remain my closest friend, but was also a sister to both my husband and myself. I always admired her amiability, coupled with her drive to make an impact. I had the honour of serving on multiple boards with Roki, from The Daily Star (where she was chairperson), Reliance Insurance Ltd, Prothom Alo, and Bangladesh Lamps Ltd. Roki's presence across both my personal and professional lives was nothing short of an absolute pleasure; it felt good to go through it all together.

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As I think of Roki, her infectious smile, glowing energy, and caring nature flood my mind with beautiful memories. From all the times we travelled with the ICC delegation, to our first safari together in South Africa, to when Roki was one of the few selected speakers at Shamim and my 50th anniversary. I feel blessed to have shared all those moments with her. Roki was not just a friend; she was family.

Our strong bond was formed over the years as we went through some of the most wonderful times together while also standing strong by each other during the most trying times.

We had lost Harun bhai too soon, and it was then that Shamim and I had the privilege of standing by Roki. I feel that she found comfort and strength in us that helped move her forward. Little did I know that decades later, when I was to lose my husband, I in turn would lean on Roki as my crutch.

During a time when I felt more comfortable limiting social interactions, it was Roki's compassion, empathy, and unstinting support that gave me comfort. It was only Roki and Didi (Anita Chowdhury) whom I found some solace in speaking to after my husband's passing. I never imagined I'd lose them both so soon one after another.

I dearly miss Roki's presence and the light she brought into every room she entered. When I spoke to her recently, she was being cautious about visitors. But in the same breath, she said, "Joyu, when you get back to Dhaka, I will see you."

That was my relationship with Roki, nothing could come between us.

I, along with many others, will miss Roki terribly. Her warmth and kindness will never be forgotten. Lots of my love and affection to my dear Roki, until we meet again in the hereafter.

Shahnaz Rahman is the chairperson and managing director of Transcom Group.