My Baba, My Personal Hero
“Forgive me for any hurt I may have caused you” — these were the last words my father ever spoke to me. There was nothing unusual about it; this was how we always parted ways when months separated our next meeting. I responded with the same words, “Forgive me for any mistakes I have made.” But then he said something that deeply upset me, in a voice lower than usual: “I may not see you again.” I immediately lost my composure and replied, “Oh come on, don’t be so dramatic! I’ll be back in two months to see you.” Without waiting for a response, I walked out to the parking lot, headed for my ride to Dhaka airport. It was February 14, 2024. My father passed away on February 27, 2024, after being unconscious since February 21, following a brief episode of aches and pains we didn’t take seriously.
I’ve replayed the events of that day, and the next 13 days, in my mind countless times. I can recount them minute by minute, hour by hour: every diagnostic test, every conversation with family, doctors, and friends, the alert hours during flights back and forth, every agonizing breath I took. But this story is not about that. This is a celebration of my father, Muhammad Alfaz Uddin—a man both remarkably ordinary and extraordinarily exceptional at the same time.
Other Writings
I Am Here to Stay and Take On anyone Steering Away from the Route of Equity
I Am Here to Stay and Take On anyone Steering Away from the Route of Equity
I Am Here to Stay and Take On anyone Steering Away from the Route of Equity
All people of color are not immune to the power plays, stereotyping communities and continuing harmful practices that keep us behind. It is not just white privilege; it is the surrogates who take on the mission of such ideology we need to stand up against.
Talking to my Sons about Feminism
I Am Here to Stay and Take On anyone Steering Away from the Route of Equity
I Am Here to Stay and Take On anyone Steering Away from the Route of Equity
The conversations I am having with my sons: Bringing up feminist boys so that they never discriminate against women or anyone based on gender identity.
Published in Akashleena Anthology
Black Lives Matter and the spirit of the Rebel poet
I Am Here to Stay and Take On anyone Steering Away from the Route of Equity
Lets talk about Domestic Violence: A conversation with Indira Chakravarthy
In the spirit of Nazrul’s lifelong dedication to equality among all human beings irrespective of ethnicity, race, religion, sex, riches and other forms of differences, Five things Bangladeshi Americans must understand about BLM
Lets talk about Domestic Violence: A conversation with Indira Chakravarthy
Reinforcing Demands for Gender Justice: The War Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh
Lets talk about Domestic Violence: A conversation with Indira Chakravarthy
Looking at the history one can find that the root of alll violence against women stem from the patriachal society. Violence is inflicted to have power and control over another person. It can happen in many ways: physical, mental, sexual, however one can assert power and control .
"র" এ রিকশা- একটি ভালবাসার চিঠি
Reinforcing Demands for Gender Justice: The War Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh
Reinforcing Demands for Gender Justice: The War Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh
"র" এ রিকশা- একটি ভালবাসার চিঠি
প্রকাশিত হয়েছে আকাশলীনা সংকলন এ ২০১৮ সালে ।
Reinforcing Demands for Gender Justice: The War Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh
Reinforcing Demands for Gender Justice: The War Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh
Reinforcing Demands for Gender Justice: The War Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh
The war crimes tribunal in Bangladesh not only address the worst rape concentration camps in history; but also reveal the inner struggles of a society as it faces demands for gender justice, along with secularism and social justice. Unnoticed by most of the world, there is a revolution happening here.
Perspectives: Legalizing Discrimination: Rising Tide of Islamophobia
Perspectives: Legalizing Discrimination: Rising Tide of Islamophobia
Perspectives: Legalizing Discrimination: Rising Tide of Islamophobia
In the aftermath of Charlie Hedbo attack in France, there were renewed calls for all Muslims to take responsibility, revival of the clash of civilization debates and anti-Muslim activities soared in France. I sat shocked and hurt all over again perhaps finding myself again in a state of defending my faith.