Several handwritten letters recovered from the residence of Satkhira-4 MP Gazi Nazrul Islam contain accounts of relationship tensions, love, alleged betrayal and emotional distress.
Written on the official letterhead of Bangladesh Parliament and plain sheets in black and red ink, the letters, allegedly written by Mariam Khatun, also describe her feelings about her position in the relationship, her grievances and her determination to preserve her self-respect.
The letters contain references to emotional moments, including allegations of deception, complications in the relationship and a sense of betrayal. One passage describes Mariam’s anguish at feeling like a pawn in a game, while another expresses a resolve not to accept defeat.
Phrases such as “You were the captain of the opposing team”, “I lost—you won” and “I am not as cheap as you think” convey the depth of the Mariam’s emotional conflict.
In a letter written on an official letterhead of the Parliament, Mariam says: “I entered the battle with him with complete trust, but I could not win; I lost on the battlefield. How could I win when, at the end of the battle, I realised that you were the captain of the opposing team?”
In another letter on plain paper, Mariam reflects on the complications of loving a married man, saying: “He was another woman’s husband. On paper, the rights belonged to his wife. And I was foolish…!!! I made someone else’s husband the man of my choice…!!! Losing someone is more dignified than having only half of them… Love is never something to be shared… Love is either complete or incomplete.”
Another passage describes a sense of having been deceived after trusting someone. It reads: “He said, ‘From today, we are friends… let’s play a game.’ I agreed in all innocence, trusting him. But who knew that I was merely a pawn in your game?”
In another passage written on a Parliament letterhead, Mariam expresses anger over the outcome: “I lost… you won… because you could deceive me and win only because I trusted you. I extended my smile and kept a smile on my face… You will see that the reason behind this smile will ultimately become the reason for your destruction.”
A brief message written in red ink stresses Mariam’s sense of self-worth: “I bow to you again and again only because I have fallen under your spell… Otherwise, I am not as cheap as you think I am.”
