On Eid day, I video called my 2.5-year-old niece. We both affectionately call each other “Pipi.” With a soft voice, she asked, “Pipi, Papa kothay?” I had no words. She recently asked her mother to explain who Nana is, and her mother replied that “Nana is mother’s Papa.” Pipi then wondered why Nana is sleeping in his room while her Papa is with the Almighty. Later, she innocently asked her mother to order her Papa online. Pipi will never know how deeply her father loved and adored her. When she was born, he held her and sobbed uncontrollably, overwhelmed with joy. Every day with her was a precious gift to him and our family. But alas, none of us knew what the future held for us.
In mid-February, my younger brother, Pipi’s father, went for a routine endoscopy at Labaid Hospital under Dr Mamun Al Mahtab Swapnil. He was his patient number 52 that evening and waited 4.5 hours past his scheduled time. In his last text, he said, “I am very hungry, have some food ready. I will come and eat or else I will die today for sure.” Our father waited eagerly, cooking my brother’s favourite dish. Tragically, he never came back home, and within four days, we were burying him.
My brother diligently followed all the protocols prescribed by the doctor for his procedure. If his health condition (obesity) and medical reports were in fact reviewed properly, he would have been referred for further tests and examination. He was not in an emergency situation, and the seemingly gross lack of adherence to medical standards has led to him not being with us today.
Raahib, my first friend and my first “make believe enemy;” my first and only companion through everything life threw at us, was born on June 24. June was always a month of celebration in our family, as both my brother and I were born in this special month. This June 24 would have marked his 32nd birthday. Instead, our family is engulfed in misery, grief, and trauma. My father, heartbroken and inconsolable, weeps constantly, saying there will never be any more joy left in this world. He always believed that his son Raahib would be the one to bury him, not the other way around.
Many believed Raahib would elevate the IT and gaming industry to new heights
We spent our formative years in the Middle East, filled with joy and happiness. Two years apart, my brother and I were inseparable. Looking at our childhood photos, I see myself always by his side, holding his hand, protecting and caring for him. We created imaginary games as superheroes, chasing and playfully fighting each other. In his dreams, he always triumphed over villains, but only after I met my fictional demise. Sadly, in reality, he has left me with a lot of responsibilities, including the ongoing fight for justice.
Upon our return to Bangladesh, we faced numerous challenges, and the local school system posed new obstacles, prompting my brother to delay formal education for a few years before eventually enrolling at a higher grade. By the end of the year, he never had a complete book because he studied by tearing pages out (since books were too heavy for him). Whenever I asked how he would study without a book, he always replied, “Everything’s in my head.” Despite this unconventional path, he never fell behind due to his exceptional intelligence. Raahib excelled in his studies, achieving remarkable results in all his exams and graduating from Jahangirnagar University Business School.
Coming from modest beginnings, my brother and I, took on the responsibility of supporting our family from a tender age following our father’s heart attack. Soon after my brother assumed the role of primary caregiver, ensuring the well-being of his loved ones alongside his professional endeavors.
My brother showed an early entrepreneurial spirit by entering gaming competitions and leveraging his winnings for additional income through various small initiatives. With unwavering resolve and intellect, he carved his path to success, earning accolades and milestones that belie his years.
The legacy of my brother in the Bangladesh gaming community is unparalleled. Recognized as an icon and a trailblazer, he spearheaded the growth of E-sports in Bangladesh, organizing groundbreaking tournaments and raising the country’s profile in the global gaming community. He believed that the growth of E-sports would contribute to the overall development of the IT industry in the country.
Beginning his gaming journey in 2010, his impact as a player, organizer, and community leader propelled Bangladesh E-sports to unprecedented heights -- from securing victories in international tournaments to pioneering local gaming events. For the gaming community here, he is referred to as the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time).
My brother’s influence extended beyond gaming into the IT sector when he joined the corporate world, and swiftly rose through the ranks, making pivotal contributions to product management and marketing. His strategic acumen and industry insights facilitated the introduction of leading IT brands, cementing his reputation as a leader in the field.
This June 24 would have marked his 32nd birthday. Instead, our family is engulfed in misery, grief, and trauma
At only 31.5 years old, my brother made significant contributions to Bangladesh’s gaming and IT sectors, showcasing resilience, determination, and extraordinary talent. Despite financial hardships in his youth, Raahib’s story embodies the triumph of perseverance and ambition. As we celebrate his legacy, we recognize him as a visionary leader and entrepreneur who inspired many. His impact transcends boundaries, and his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those touched by his remarkable journey.
I see my brother’s death as a tragic loss for our country. Many believed Raahib would elevate the IT and gaming industry to new heights. He was determined to prove that gaming could be a thriving industry for young people, creating jobs and boosting the IT sector. He often said, “If everyone leaves the country, what will happen? Some must stay and do something for the nation.” Sadly, he didn’t foresee that the country he wanted to stay and prosper in, would be somewhat responsible for taking his life.
We have filed a case for medical negligence with the High Court. Since then, we have faced threats, cyberbullying, attempted hacking, and opening of fake social media accounts, among other forms of harassment. Seeking justice has been a daunting journey, yet we hold on to hope. The health minister, who has saved innumerable lives, has launched initiatives to ensure accountability and quality in healthcare. We believe our honourable prime minister will realize her commitment to a nation where every citizen lives a safe, dignified, and just life -- a vision Raahib also contributed to through his work for digital and smart Bangladesh. If anyone understands the pain of losing family, it is our honourable prime minister. We appeal to her to support us in seeking justice without fear or bias, allowing us to find closure and maybe begin to heal.
