I was born in Bangladesh, a place where tradition and family play a central role in
shaping one’s life. Growing up with Asian parents, my upbringing was vastly different
from the more independent-minded culture in Australia. In Bangladesh, parents are
often assertive in guiding their children’s choices, they should take.
From a young age, I dreamt of flying. I wanted to be a pilot, to feel the freedom of the
clouds. But my dream was quickly dismissed by my father. Every time I would bring
up the idea, he would respond with “A doctor’s life is rewarding,” his voice filled with
conviction. “You can help people, save lives.” a picture that I, as a child, could not yet
fully grasp.
I went to the best schools and colleges in Bangladesh, but my heart was never truly
in it. I wasn’t focused on what I wanted to do. But somehow, I ended up qualifying for
a private medical school, and my father, seeing it as a victory, paid for all my tuition
fees!
I discovered my father always dreamed of being a doctor himself, but life had taken
him in a different direction. He became the Assistant Superintendent of Police, a
career that brought him its own set of challenges and rewards.
Then, in 2019, we lost him. I know he would have been so proud to see us pursuing
the path he believed in for us.
I have three sisters. The eldest is a dentist, the second one is in the process of
getting registered as a GP in Australia, and the youngest, after watching years of
intense studying, decided to pursue a master’s in business administration. My
mother, the heart of our home, spent countless days and nights caring for our family
and ensuring we could focus on our studies, sacrificing so much of her own dreams
in the process.
My wife, Dr Fariha Sultana, is also a GP in Griffith- not just my partner in life, she is
also my partner in purpose. We both share the same calling—medicine—and
together, we’ve created a life that is as fulfilling as it is meaningful.
There are moments when I wonder, “Is this life I was meant to live?” does it matter?
I believe what matters most is that I find peace in what I do, my heart feels aligned
with my soul – “no regrets”.