Zubaida’s 17-year exile finally comes to an end
Shahariar Islam Sovon :
After 17 years in exile, Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, has returned to Bangladesh, reigniting speculation over her potential political role within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Her arrival comes at a critical time for the party, with Tarique Rahman still residing in London and party Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s health not yet fully restored, though there is optimism about her recovery.
Dr Zubaida’s dignified return, supported by her strong academic and professional background, has prompted many within BNP circles to view her as a potential new standard-bearer of the Zia family legacy.
Despite never having been involved in frontline politics, her endurance in the face of legal and political adversity has elevated her public profile.
A respected physician, Dr Zubaida was caught up in political turmoil due to her family ties, although she has never held public office.
Her prolonged exile was marked by legal entanglements stemming from her association with the BNP and her marriage to Tarique Rahman. Her return is being interpreted by supporters as both a personal milestone and a powerful symbol of the political figures in Bangladesh.
Begun Khaleda Zia’s homecoming was facilitated by a special air ambulance provided by the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The aircraft carrying Khaleda Zia, Dr Rahman, Syeda Sharmila Rahman (widow of the late Arafat Rahman Koko), and others landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:42am.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with other senior party leaders, received them at the airport’s VIP lounge.
Witnesses noted emotional moments during the arrival, with Zubaida visibly moved and attentive to her ailing mother-in-law. The BNP’s media cell released photos and videos showing her sharing a light-hearted exchange with Sharmila Rahman.
Following completion of airport formalities, Khaleda Zia was escorted to her residence, accompanied by Zubaida and Sharmila.
Although Zubaida is expected to reside at her father’s residence, Mahbub Bhaban on Dhanmondi Road 5, she initially accompanied Khaleda home.
Security around both residences was tightened, with police and intelligence personnel deployed and a security archway installed at Mahbub Bhaban. The BNP had earlier requested armed protection for Zubaida, citing potential security threats.
Mahbub Bhaban currently houses Zubaida’s mother, Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu, and her elder sister’s family. Her mother was recently hospitalised in Dhaka.
Born on 18 May 1972 in Sylhet, Dr Zubaida Rahman is the daughter of Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan, a former Chief of the Bangladesh Navy and a minister under both President Ziaur Rahman and President Ershad. Her uncle, General MAG Osmani, was the commander-in-chief of the Bangladesh Liberation War.
An academic high-achiever, Zubaida Rahman excelled in her HSC exams and later topped the Bangladesh Civil Service (Health) cadre in 1995. Following her marriage to Tarique Rahman on 3 February 1994, she joined government service as a physician. However, she was dismissed in 2008 by the then Awami League government while on study leave in London.
During the 2007-08 caretaker regime, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed a case accusing Zubaida, her husband, and her mother of amassing illegal wealth. In 2023, a Dhaka court sentenced her to three years in prison and imposed a fine of Tk 3.5 million. The sentence was stayed after the change in government in August 2024.
Since 2008, Dr Zubaida has been residing in London with her husband and their daughter, Zaima Rahman. She has also completed postgraduate studies in medicine at Imperial College London.
Her return to Bangladesh comes amid renewed political activity and realignments within the BNP, fuelling speculation about her possible entry into formal politics. While it remains unclear how long she intends to stay in the country, or whether Tarique and Zaima will follow, party insiders have described her return as a “symbolic turning point” for the BNP and the Zia political legacy.