Dear Tarique Rahman Bhai,

I begin with this hope: that you will not be conventional. After a long exile, you have returned home as a mature and seasoned politician. Your choice of words in every speech is measured and thoughtful. In the political arena, I have never heard an indecent word from you against anyone. Bangladesh has progressed and developed in many areas, but I often miss a sense of patriotism and mutual respect among us. You, however, seem to be an exception. You appear as a beacon of light. You returned to your homeland on a special day, touched the soil of your country, and renewed your vow to serve it. After such a long time away, you delivered a remarkable speech.

Many of us listened in amazement—such a speech is truly expected from a mature statesman. I have never met you personally. Nearly three and a half decades ago in Dhaka, I worked as a stringer for the BBC, the diplomatic correspondent for the weekly Bichitra, and the Bangladesh correspondent for the weekly The New York Address (based in New York). After the fall of Ershad, I went to your mother's house in Gulshan to take a special interview. I rode there on photographer Nur Uddin Bhai's motorcycle. Your mother's regal personality and extraordinary warmth still shine brightly in my memory. I also recall the election and those historic moments even after all these years. At that time, my highly respected and close relative Abbas Bhai (Mirza Abbas) was doing an excellent job as Mayor. I remember Tofayel Ahmed Bhai once saying, "Mirza Abbas is doing very well as Mayor." I used to see him at Abdul Awal Mintu Bhai's office.

I never got to meet you—you were a young, energetic lad back then. I knew you were busy with matters concerning the "Hawa Bhaban" (the opposition party office). After that, I spent many years abroad. When I went to Bush House in London to conclude my work with the BBC, the legendary Sirajur Rahman was still alive. As time passed, from my distant exile, I witnessed so much injustice, humiliation, and persecution inflicted upon you. I met your illustrious mother and former Prime Minister, Begum Khaleda Zia, right here in New York. I was again amazed to see her extraordinary personality up close. I couldn't believe this extraordinary and gentle person was subjected to such inhuman treatment.

Last year, on the historic 25th of December, you returned home to see your mother one last time. The unprecedented outpouring of final respect for her in Bangladesh and around the world was historic. You are truly fortunate. The day your father was martyred, I was at the Radio Bangladesh studio in Shahbag. I went out onto the streets and witnessed a sea of silent mourning. The historic funeral procession for him on Manik Mia Avenue still shines vividly in my memory. Tarique Rahman, you are the head of a wonderful, small family. You are the father of a highly dignified wife and an adorable daughter. We feel that because of you, Bangladesh was saved from fundamentalists.

All of us, both at home and abroad, were deeply anxious and worried about the election. I stayed up all night watching live coverage on various TV channels and was amazed by the courage and progress shown by the media. After many years, I witnessed such an election, filled with people's enthusiasm and energy! After the election results, watching the news, it felt like our Sonar Bangla, our beloved country, was saved from the grip of fundamentalists this time. I went to Jackson Heights in New York, the pilgrims' destination for expatriates, and had my first sweets at the office of veteran journalist Kazi Montu Bhai. Then, at the office of Sakil Mia, President of the Area Residents Society, we all celebrated by eating sweets from Aladdin's and condemned the fundamentalists.

Tarique Rahman, you are a few years younger than me, so I am not addressing you as "Mr." or "Sir," but as a brother. In just a couple of days, you will become the Prime Minister of our country, taking on a crucial responsibility. We have different expectations of you. Please think very carefully, take your time, and double-check every step you take.

We do not want to see the "same old, same old" scenes in our journalism world. We don't want to see the same old images on our TV screens. We want you to be different. Your call for Friday prayers instead of processions and slogans after the election was a wonderful idea. Tarique Rahman, the whole world is watching you and Bangladesh. Do something new, be exceptional, set an example. I am a very ordinary journalist and writer. I worked for Voice of America for many years, but the Trump administration closed it down. Nowadays, I am involved with "Coffee with Kiron," living a simple life. I hope to meet you in New York, the capital of the world.

Sincerely,

Akbar Haider Kiron