Fatema Begum

She is one of the renowned police officers of Bangladesh, and happens to be the first woman to join this force. Her name is synonymous with bravery and courage and she is none other than Fatema Begum, who is now SS special branch security and protection (Special Superintendent Of Police). Her village is in Thakurgaon of Bikrampur where she grew up and completed her studies. From the very beginning of her life this bold determined lady wanted to serve her country. In the year 1984 she appeared for her BCS examination to make her wish come true. Among the many cadres Fatema selected the police service as her first and foremost choice.

"I was lucky that I received no opposition from my family in making any decisions of my life. My parents never interfered and gave me complete freedom in doing anything I wanted. So I was very independent minded and level headed from the very beginning," said Mrs. Fatema thoughtfully. "I was actually to some extent also spoilt and pampered since I was the only daughter and grew up among brothers. My brothers even used to keep magazine cuttings for me in those early days since they knew I loved the life of the filmstars which were so full of fame, glitz and glamour. That was my personal life where I had no obstacles to doing anything but you'll be surprised to know that I literally had to struggle for getting this police job just because I was the first female in this male's occupation.

"Since at that time it was absolutely unheard of for a woman to do a man's job the news of my selection took wings and was even flashed in the newspapers. There was a totally chaotic situation and everyone, even my well-wishers told me to quit the job, but I didn't give up. I still remember the words of the great person who was the Inspector General of police at that time. He told me to rethink my decision and even told me how difficult it was for a man to cope in this profession and that I was merely a woman. He even told me how many times he fell from his horse during his training period and bruised himself. But I wasn't discouraged. Rather I was motivated by his words. I had a point to prove and I wanted to show everyone that was I was totally capable enough for this profession" .

Fatema had to tackle a lot of pressure alone from the unkind male chauvinistic society. She still followed her dreams and was stubborn enough to realize them no matter what. Even when she was in Sardha police academy for her training, followed by her BATC training, she had to stand up for her rights since she was not given the permission from the higher officials to begin her training course. Finally, after confronting the principal of the academy, who was very much impressed by her dedication, she was allowed her to take part in the training. But her struggle did not end there.

"I was even at first told to parade alone without my male co-workers. But I refused to parade alone and demanded to my chief instructor whom we used to call 'ustad' that I will only parade if my other partners are present. He was probably happy to see my outspokenness and agreed at last,'' said the officer smiling. "When everyone saw how dedicated I was towards my profession, after a few weeks they all started to take me seriously. Even IG sir became impressed by my performance, and supported me in following my dream- which was to become a successful police officer."

There were times in this training period which can also be called the foundation course when this lady had to do her PT right early in the bitterly cold winter mornings when things were hardly visible because of the morning dew. There were times when she had to deal with a hectic routine of life like a robot. There were times when she was unwell but still managed to participate in various physical training routines despite her pathetic health condition. There were even times when this diminutive lady had to face unimaginable challenges from her male counterparts and at the same time also received immense attention for her attractive features. Later, this confident and assertive lady did many works in various important posts and in different districts of Bangladesh. She became the ASP and eventually in the year 1999 occupied the position of SP. No one at first glance can actually understand the toughness and boldness of this humble looking married woman who is thoroughly in love with her profession. The power with which she speaks is simply amazing. An avid reader of novels and various travel stories and whose principle is "not to give up till one has gotten what one wants," Mrs.Fatema Begum is truly a woman of substance who can set examples for other young girls who are interested in entering this kind of challenging profession.

Source: Excerpt of Women In Police by By Sarah Zermin Huq; Photo: Zahedul I Khan (The Daily Star News)