Tamim helps out GM Zia’s family

Former Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal handed over a check of Tk five lakh to the family of late Grandmaster Ziaur Rahman Zia at the indoor facilities of the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today.

Late Ziaur's wife, Tasmin Sultana Labanya, and son, FIDE Master Tahsin Tajwar Zia, received the check from Tamim, who came to know about their financial problems through media reports.

"Tamim 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," Labanya told reporters in Mirpur.

Labanya also informed that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has also expressed interest in supporting her son so that he can follow his father's path and become a Grandmaster one day.

"[BCB] CEO [Nizamuddin Chaowdhury] Sujon has told me to make an application. BCB wants to help in Tahsin's next tournament. Sujon bhai told me to write an application to the president as per the process," she added.  

Meanwhile, Tahsin said that it was a big moment for him to meet such a cricketer like Tamim who also gave him advice regarding many things. 

"He is a big cricketer of Bangladesh. I feel really happy to meet him. He advised me regarding many things and it was an inspiring moment for me," said Tahsin.

Earlier, on July 5, Zia suffered a cardiac arrest 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.

Although the Bangladesh Chess Federation promised financial support to Zia's family after his death, there was no significant development in the last four months resulting in Labanya's struggle to manage fees and expenses for Tahsin's study and career in chess.