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Born in 1941, Rokia started her career at a commercial bank in 1962. Within two years, she became the country’s first woman bank manager. From there, she went on to build a distinguished career in business, finance, media, and social development.

She played a pioneering role in promoting women’s financial independence. She was the founding president of the Bangladesh Federation of Women Entrepreneurs and played a key role in forming Women in Small Enterprises. She also served as chairperson of Midas Financing Limited, which helped small entrepreneurs, especially women, market their products without middlemen.

Her contribution went beyond business. She served as president of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, adviser to the 2001 caretaker government, and a board member of several organisations, including Bangladesh Bank. She also chaired the board of directors of the Asian University for Women Support Foundation.

During her long career, she received several honours, including the Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World award in Monte Carlo, the Businessperson of the Year 2003 award by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh, and the Priyadarshani Award in India.