District Correspondent, Sylhet: Dr. Zubaida Rahman, the wife of BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, renowned physician, and a proud daughter of Sylhet, has returned to the country after 17 years of exile with her mother-in-law. Her return has brought renewed enthusiasm to Sylhet BNP. Party leaders and activists are hopeful that this talented woman joining active politics could provide a fresh impetus to the party. In her honor, BNP and its affiliates have already organized welcome rallies in the city.
Dr. Zubaida Rahman, a daughter of Sylhet, is the daughter of former minister and Navy Chief Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali. Her uncle is General M.A.G. Osmani, the Commander-in-Chief of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. She is also the cousin of Irene Khan, former Secretary General of Amnesty International. Although she has never been directly involved in politics, party leaders believe that Zubaida Rahman could play a significant role in BNP’s future leadership.
Despite the antagonistic relationship with the Zia family, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, during a cabinet meeting, made a positive remark about Zubaida. Sheikh Hasina said, “She is educated and comes from a good family. If she joins politics, it would benefit the country.”
Dr. Zubaida’s return and potential political moves have sparked new speculation in the political arena.
BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s advisor and former Sylhet City Corporation Mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury expressed excitement over Dr. Zubaida Rahman’s return. He stated, “The wife of the late President Ziaur Rahman’s son and the acting chairman of the party, a brilliant doctor with accolades both at home and abroad, Dr. Zubaida Rahman’s return is undoubtedly a source of pride for us. This news makes me happy not only as a party worker but also as a Sylheti.”
Regarding her direct involvement in politics, Ariful Haque said, “This decision rests with her family. However, I believe that in times of need, this talented and multifaceted individual from Sylhet will surely step forward.”
Dr. Zubaida Rahman earned her MBBS degree from Dhaka Medical College and later completed her MSS in Medicine from Imperial College London. She ranked first in the BCS Health Cadre and joined government service in 1995.
In 1994, she married Tarique Rahman. On September 11, 2008, Dr. Zubaida Rahman left Bangladesh for the UK with her husband for his medical treatment. Since then, she has been living in the UK with him.
