DHAKA, Mar 9, 2025 (BSS) – In our society there is a notion that girls are not as capable as boys are, and daughters will likely never be able to achieve nearly as much as a son can.

 But Mauri, Prianka and Sunehra, three daughters of Engineer Syed Mahbubur Rahman and Shamim Sultana Popi, have successfully disproved such a social generalisation.   

The success of these exceptionally talented three daughters in their educational and professional journey has not only brought smiles of pride on the face of their parents but also brightened the image of the country abroad.

In Bengali society, where sons are still considered as the shining lamp of the family, but in Mahbubur Rahman's family, his three daughters have lit the true lamps, which illuminated his family and society as well through their successes.

 Not only in Bangladesh, but they have been spreading their light of knowledge in other parts of the world.

Hailing from a small town of Khulna Sadar, the Southwestern part of Bangladesh, Syed Mahbub and his wife Popi did not leave any stone unturned to provide their three daughters proper education and at the same time to bring them up as human beings with humane qualities.

 Though the couple did not have any boy child, Syed Mahbub and his spouse Popi tried to fulfill their dreams through the three daughters and eventually they became successful.

 Now, they used to say with joy and pride that they are the proud parents in the world as by the virtue of Almighty Allah that they have three talented and extra-ordinary daughters, who have proved their exceptionally worth through their academic fit, knowledge and skills in the world.

Talking to BSS, they said that they have never hesitated to meet the expenses of their children’s education. Similarly, the girls have also established themselves successfully in their respective fields and are constantly making their father’s face shine.

Asked about the success of his daughters, Syed Mahbub said, "All the three of my daughters have been considered an incomparable blessing of the Almighty Allah for us. They have been exceptionally successful in fulfilling their aspirations by overcoming the barriers of being girls.

 My three daughters are gems to me. I am truly proud of them. I think the success stories of my daughters will inspire many girls to fulfill their dreams and will make many parents’ dream about their daughters in a newer way.”

Giving complement to his wife for the success, he said, “Behind the success of my daughters, is the story of my wife as Popi’s unwavering dedication and unrelenting support empowering her daughters to reach the zenith of success.

 Her philosophy was to provide her daughters with every opportunity to make them success, and she continues to be a constant source of support, comfort and guidance for the girls.”   

Mahbubur Rahman's eldest daughter is Syeda Sema Mauri.

 Regarding Mauri, he also said, "My daughter Mauri's life story is a rare example of tolerance and achieving goals.

" Mauri earned her PhD in International Development under the Department of Human Geography and Special Planning at Utrecht University, Netherlands.

 Her research topic was women's safety and access to public space. Her research has been highly praised by various institutions in Bangladesh, India and the Netherlands.

 She has already obtained a full scholarship to pursue her post-doctoral studies from a university there.

 During the global Covid-19 pandemic, she gave me a new life by donating a part of her liver.

 By the grace of Almighty Allah, I am still alive and healthy because of the liver donated by my young mother. My daughter, Mauri is a shining example of utmost respect, responsibility and sacrifice for her family. As a father, I am really proud of her.”

About her second daughter, Syeda Fariha Prianka, Syed Mahbub said, "Prianka is the only Bangladeshi working as a director in First Abu Dhabi Bank. She is leading the loan syndicate and distribution department.

Her responsibility of disbursing loans to investors through the global bank and countersigning them is truly a matter of great pride.

 This pride is not only ours, but that of the entire Bangladeshis. My daughter is also not lagging behind in fulfilling her responsibilities towards her family and parents.

 Prianka and Mauri are jointly bearing the expenses of my wife's cancer treatment and all my medical expenses with the money they earn. I am immensely grateful to Allah for giving me such a good child.

 Where we often see heartbreaking stories of neglect of elderly parents in newspapers, my children have set an example and continue to do so.” Saying this, he became quite emotional and continued, “I am truly a very lucky father.”

Talking about his youngest daughter Syeda Sunehra, Syed Mahbub said, “My youngest daughter is also extremely humble and talented. She has obtained a bachelor's degree from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

She has chosen gender, race, sexuality and social justice as her main subjects of study. She is currently employed as the Director of "Health and Wellness" under the Academic Portfolio.”

Finally, regarding the girls, Mahbubur Rahman said, "Since childhood, all the three have been extremely humble, polite and talented. Each of the three sisters has made a distinctive difference in their chosen field, which is truly a source of immense pride for us and inspiration to others.”  

The three sisters have set unique examples of talent and thinking in their respective places in each field. This story of my daughters is a reflection of our approach to education and an indomitable will to fight against social barriers for women, he said.  

He added, "The story of my daughters-Mauri, Prianka and Sunehra-may be a great inspiration that will inspire the next generation to reach their desired goals."

While narrating the success stories of his children, a different kind of joy was playing on Mahbubur Rahman's eyes and face. Occasionally, his eyes got wet with tears of joy.

When he was able to bring up his children with good education and when his children were successfully established in their workplace, all fathers’ hearts fill with pride. That is why Syed Mahbubur Rahman is such a proud father today.