Tamim stands by Grandmaster Ziaur Rahman's family

Dhaka, 14 Nov -Former Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal stood by the family of late Grandmaster Ziaur Rahman Zia in their time of difficulties by handing over a cheque for Tk five lakh at the indoor facilities of the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today.

After Tamim learnt about their financial hardship through media reports, he decided to reach out to them. Late Ziaur's wife Tasmin Sultana Labanya, and son, Tahsin Tajwar Zia who is also a FIDE Master, received the cheque from Tamim.

"He talked to me, he is actually a good player and we always like him," Labanya told the reporters in Mirpur today.

"He told me to keep in contact with him for any kind of problem. He told my son to keep his focus on studies and sports as well. I have always told you that I need to move forward with my son. It requires collective help. If everyone comes forward then I think everything will be fine," Labanya added.

BCB CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury has expressed interest in sponsoring Tahsin for the next tournament, Labanya said.

"The CEO told me to write an application to the president as per the process.
They have showed interest in sponsoring Tahsin for the next tournament," she added.

Tahsin said it was big moment for him to meet a big cricketer like Tamim.

"He is a very big cricketer of Bangladesh. It's really nice to meet him. He gave many advices about life. It was a great inspiration. He told me to continue studying on chess," Tahsin said.

Tahsin, a Fide master, has recently returned home after playing in the Chess Olympiad and three invitational tournaments in Hungary.

Grandmaster Zia suffered a cardiac arrest on July 5 this year during the round 12 game of the 48th National Chess Championship 2024 at the Bangladesh Chess Federation (BCF) hall room.

He was immediately taken to nearby Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital and Research Institute, where doctors declared him dead.