Sixty-eight-year-old Sheikh Rehana, a prominent leader of the Awami League and sister of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been a steadfast companion through personal and political turmoil for nearly five decades. Rehana, the fourth child of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, has been a constant presence in her sister’s life, particularly in times of crisis.
Historical Tragedy
On August 15, 1975, Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana were in Europe while their family back in Bangladesh was brutally murdered. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his wife Begum Fazilatunnesa, and their three sons Kamal, Jamal, and Russel were killed during a military coup. The massacre at their Dhanmondi residence claimed 36 lives, including family staff.
The sisters’ last memories of their family were during a farewell at the airport before their departure to Germany, as recounted by Sheikh Hasina in an ANI interview. “Because my husband was abroad, so I used to live in the same house. That day everybody was there: my father, mother, my three brothers, two newly-wedded sisters-in-law, everybody was there. That was the last day…” Hasina said.
Following the massacre, Sheikh Hasina, her husband MA Wazed Miah, their children, and Rehana sought refuge in India. India, under then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, offered immediate support and security, which allowed the family to eventually return to Bangladesh and learn about the remaining family members.
Rehana’s Life and Family
In the years following the tragedy, Sheikh Rehana married Bangladeshi academic Shafique Ahmed Siddiqui in London, a ceremony that Sheikh Hasina could not attend due to financial constraints. Rehana’s family includes her children: Radwan Mujib Siddiq, a strategy consultant and trustee of the Awami League’s Centre for Research and Information; Tulip Siddiq, a UK Labour Party politician and current Economic Secretary to the Treasury; and Azmina Siddiq Rupanti, who works in risk consultancy.
Current Crisis
Forty-nine years later, Rehana’s role in her sister’s life remains as pivotal as ever. Recently, amidst nationwide protests and political upheaval, Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign and flee Bangladesh. During this crisis, Rehana was once again by her sister’s side. As protesters encroached upon their home, vandalizing statues of their father, Sheikh Hasina initially resisted leaving. It was only after a decisive call from her son, Sajeeb Wazed, that Hasina agreed to evacuate.
Sheikh Rehana, showing resilience and dedication, accompanied Hasina aboard a military aircraft to India, repeating the act of solidarity from decades ago. The sisters’ fates remain intertwined, as Rehana continues to stand by Hasina through yet another chapter of exile.
Conclusion
Sheikh Rehana’s unwavering support has been a cornerstone in Sheikh Hasina’s life, from the trauma of losing their family in 1975 to the recent political upheaval. Their shared journey reflects not only a bond of family but also the enduring strength and solidarity in the face of adversity.
Sources By Agencies
