United News of Bangladesh

Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, spent some time Tuesday with underprivileged children at ‘Suravi’, an organisation founded by her late mother that provides education to poor children. She came to the Suravi office in Dhanmondi around noon and visited the classrooms to talk with the children. Zubaida also visited an exhibition displaying Suravi’s 40 years of activities across the country and artworks by her mother Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu. Upon her arrival at the office, Zubaida was warmly welcomed with flowers by teachers, staff members, and the organisation’s executive director Md Abu Taher. Established in 1979, Suravi has been working to establish the rights of marginalised women and children. Over the past 46 years, the organisation has run vocational training, primary healthcare education and services, and social awareness campaigns across the country. BNP disappointed over absence of clear election roadmap The government honoured Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu with the Independence Award for her contributions to social welfare. Zubaida Rahman returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in London earlier this month. She returned home with her mother-in-law and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Dr Zubaida had left the country during the 1/11 political changeover with her husband Tarique Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman.

The High Court on Tuesday fixed May 28 for delivering its judgment in the appeal petition filed by Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, challenging her three-year jail sentence in a graft case. The bench of Justice Md Khasruzzaman fixed the date after hearing the petition. Advocate Asif Hasan stood for the Anti-Corruption Commission while Advocate SM Shahjahan, Advocate Kaisar Kamal and Advocate Zakir Bhuiya represented the petitioner.  Tarique Rahman expects most credible election soon under Dr Yunus On May 14, Zubaida filed the petition with the HC seeking to overturn her sentence. The court accepted the petition for hearing and condoned a 587-day delay in filing the appeal. On August 2, 2023, a Dhaka court sentenced Tarique  to nine years in prison and Zubaida to three years in a case related to amassing wealth illegally and concealing information. On September 22 last year, the Security Services Division under the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a gazette suspending Zubaida’s sentence for one year, following her petition and with the consent of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. Zubaida had left the country with her husband for London on September 11, 2008, where she lived for nearly 17 years before returning to Bangladesh on May 6 this year. Rizvi accuses advisers of misleading people on BNP’s election demand The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the case against the couple and another individual on September 26, 2007, at Dhaka’s Kafrul Police Station for concealing wealth information and amassing illegal assets.    

The High Court (HC) on Wednesday scheduled a hearing for Thursday (May 22) on a petition filed by Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, challenging her three-year jail sentence in a graft case. The bench of Justice Md Khasruzzaman fixed the date for the hearing. Lawyers Kaiser Kamal and Zakir Hossain Bhuiyan appeared in the court on behalf of Zubaida Rahman. Earlier, on May 14, Zubaida filed the petition with the HC seeking to overturn her sentence. The court accepted the petition for hearing and condoned a 587-day delay in filing the appeal. On August 2, 2023, a Dhaka court sentenced Tarique Rahman to nine years in prison and Zubaida to three years in a case related to amassing wealth illegally and concealing information. Zubaida Rahman granted bail in graft case On September 22 last year, the Security Services Division under the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a gazette suspending Zubaida’s sentence for one year, following her petition and with the consent of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. Zubaida had left the country with her husband for London on September 11, 2008, where she lived for nearly 17 years before returning to Bangladesh on May 6 this year. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the case against the couple and another individual on September 26, 2007, at Dhaka’s Kafrul Police Station for concealing wealth information and amassing illegal assets. Zubaida files petition challenging sentence in graft case The charges were formally pressed the following year.

The High Court on Wednesday granted bail to Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, in a graft case. The bail will remain in force until the disposal of a petition she filed with the High Court challenging a lower court verdict that sentenced her to three years in jail. The bench of Justice Md Khasruzzaman also stayed the financial penalty imposed on her in the case. Earlier, on Tuesday, Zubaida filed the petition against her jail sentence. The court accepted it for hearing and condoned a 587-day delay in filing the appeal. On August 2, 2023, a Dhaka court sentenced Tarique to nine years and Zubaida to three years in prison for amassing illegal wealth and concealing information. Zubaida files petition challenging sentence in graft case Following her petition, the Security Services Division under the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a gazette on September 22 last year, suspending her sentence for one year with the consent of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. Zubaida had left the country with her husband for London on September 11, 2008, and stayed there for around 17 years before returning home on May 6 this year. Her appeal was included in the High Court’s cause list on Tuesday (May 13). The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the case against the couple and another person on September 26, 2007, with Kafrul Police Station in the capital for amassing illegal wealth and concealing asset information. The charges were framed the following year.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia reached her Gulshan residence from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, as she returned from London along with her two daughters-in-law — Tarique Rahman’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and late Arafat Rahman Koko’s wife Syeda Shamila Rahman. A vehicle with Khaleda seated in the front seat, while her two daughters-in-law occupied the rear seats, left the airport around 11:15am and reached her house, Feroza, around 1:25pm amid tight security measures. A Qatari royal air ambulance carrying Khaleda and her entourage landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:42am, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Khaleda returned home after nearly four months of advanced treatment in London, while Zubaida returned, ending her 17-year exile in London. Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with several senior party leaders, welcomed Khaleda at the airport. The special air ambulance, provided by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, departed Heathrow Airport at around 9:35pm (BST) on Monday, carrying Khaleda and her entourage. It reached Dhaka after a stopover in Qatar. The leaders and activists of the BNP and its associate bodies welcomed her, standing along the footpaths stretching from Airport Road to Gulshan Avenue to greet their beloved leader and party chief. Khaleda returning to Gulshan home, Zubaida ends 17-year exile by her side BNP supporters began assembling along both sides of the nearly 10-kilometre route from early morning, holding national and party flags to welcome Khaleda on her return. Khaleda Zia had travelled to London on 8 January in a special air ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar. Upon arrival, she was admitted to the London Clinic, a private hospital, where she remained under the care of renowned specialists Professor Patrick Kennedy and Professor Jennifer Cross for 17 days. Since 25 January, she had been receiving treatment at the residence of her elder son, Tarique Rahman. Following her discharge from the London Clinic, she continued her recovery under the supervision of Professors Kennedy and Cross at Tarique Rahman’s residence. Her residence ‘Firoza’ located at House 1, Road 80, was fully prepared to welcome her. Upon her return, stringent security measures were observed around Khaleda’s residence. Members of the armed forces, along with law enforcement agencies, were deployed to ensure her safety. On Tuesday morning, the road in front of Firoza was seen closed to vehicular traffic, with only limited pedestrian access. A tight security perimeter was established by law enforcement officials. The premises had been thoroughly cleaned and decorated with flower pots in the garden, and utilities such as electricity, gas, and water supplies were checked, according to Sayrul Kabir Khan. Surrounded by high walls, the residence features a security room at the entrance, where members of the police and the Chairperson’s Security Force (CSF) are stationed in shifts to ensure round-the-clock security. Sayrul noted that all rooms inside the house had been cleaned, with the front garden decorated with flower pots, adding a touch of colour and warmth in anticipation of her arrival. Khaleda lands on home soil; Zubaida reunites with her roots Zubaida’s Return After 17 Years Tarique Rahman, Dr Zubaida and their daughter Zaima Rahman have been living in London since 2008. After 17 years in exile, Dr Zubaida Rahman also returned home with her mother-in-law. Although she will be staying at her father’s residence in Dhanmondi, she went directly to Khaleda’s residence from the airport. Her father’s house, known as Mahbub Bhaban, located at Road 5 of Dhanmondi, has also been prepared to receive Zubaida. Although the house is well-maintained, additional arrangements have been made to ensure Zubaida’s comfort and security. Members of the police and intelligence agencies have been deployed in the house as the BNP wrote to the Inspector General of Police requesting armed protection, a police presence at the residence and the installation of an archway scanner, citing potential security threats to her.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, along with her two daughters-in-law — Tarique Rahman’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and the late Arafat Rahman Koko’s wife Syeda Sharmila Rahman — is moving towards her Gulshan residence from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. A vehicle with Khaleda seated in the front seat, while her two daughters-in-law occupied the rear seats, left the airport around 11:15am. A Qatari royal air ambulance carrying Khaleda and her entourage landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:42am, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Khaleda returned home after nearly four months of advanced treatment in London, while Zubaida returned, ending her 17-year exile in London. Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir together with several senior party leaders, welcomed Khaleda at the airport. Speaking to reporters at the airport, Fakhrul expressed hope that the return of party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia would facilitate the restoration and advancement of democracy in the country. “She went abroad for treatment after years of suffering under fascist oppression. With the fall of fascism, she was finally able to receive proper medical care. After nearly four months of treatment, she is returning home today. It's a joyous day for us and the people,” said the BNP leader. The special air ambulance, provided by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, departed Heathrow Airport at around 9:35pm (BST) on Monday, carrying Khaleda and her entourage. It reached Dhaka after a stopover in Qatar." Meanwhile, leaders and activists of the BNP and its associate bodies gathered along the footpaths stretching from the Airport road to Gulshan Avenue to welcome their beloved leader and party chief. BNP supporters began assembling along both sides of the nearly 10-kilometre route since early morning, holding national and party flags to greet Khaleda on her return. Khaleda lands on home soil; Zubaida reunites with her roots Khaleda Zia had travelled to London on 8 January in a special air ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar. Upon arrival, she was admitted to the London Clinic, a private hospital, where she remained under the care of renowned specialists Professor Patrick Kennedy and Professor Jennifer Cross for 17 days. Since 25 January, she had been receiving treatment at the residence of her elder son, Tarique Rahman. Following her discharge from the London Clinic, she continued her recovery under the supervision of Professors Kennedy and Cross at Tarique Rahman’s residence. Meanwhile, the BNP chief’s Gulshan residence, ‘Firoza’, located at House 1, Road 80, has been fully prepared to welcome her. Upon her return, stringent security measures were observed around Khaleda’s residence. Members of the armed forces, along with law enforcement agencies, were deployed to ensure her safety. On Tuesday morning, the road in front of Firoza was seen closed to vehicular traffic, with only limited pedestrian access. A tight security perimeter was established by law enforcement officials. Thousands line the Dhaka streets to welcome Khaleda Zia 

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, along with her two daughters-in-law, including Tarique Rahman’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, returned home on Tuesday morning after nearly four months of advanced treatment in London. A Qatari royal air ambulance carrying Khaleda and her entourage landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:42am, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with several senior party leaders, arrived at the airport around 8:30am to receive Khaleda. Talking to reporters at the airport, Fakhrul expressed the hope that the return of party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia would facilitate the restoration and advancement of democracy in the country. “She went abroad for treatment after years of suffering under fascist oppression. With the fall of fascism, she was finally able to receive proper medical care. After nearly four months of treatment, she is returning home today. It's a matter of great joy for us and the people,” said the BNP leader. The special air ambulance, provided by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, departed Heathrow Airport at around 9:35pm (BST) on Monday, carrying Khaleda and her entourage. Meanwhile, leaders and activists of the BNP and its associate bodies gathered along the footpaths stretching from the Airport road to Gulshan Avenue to welcome their beloved leader and party chief. BNP supporters began assembling along both sides of the nearly 10-kilometre route since early morning, holding national and party flags to greet Khaleda on her return. Thousands line the Dhaka streets to welcome Khaleda Zia  Earlier on Monday, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir had urged everyone not to stand on the road in any manner. “Those wishing to welcome Madam should stand on the footpath and greet her from there. We have instructed that party leaders and activists may hold national and BNP flags while receiving her,” he said. He urged party members to remain vigilant and avoid causing traffic congestion while welcoming the BNP chief, as an SSC examination is scheduled for Tuesday. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) also issued a notice on Monday, warning of potential traffic congestion in the Gulshan-Banani area due to excessive crowds gathering to welcome Khaleda.  It also released a set of parking guidelines for the vehicles of journalists and arriving guests to ensure public safety and minimise disruption to city traffic. Khaleda Zia had travelled to London on 8 January in a special air ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar. Upon arrival, she was admitted to the London Clinic, a private hospital, where she remained under the care of renowned specialists Professor Patrick Kennedy and Professor Jennifer Cross for 17 days. Since 25 January, she had been receiving treatment at the residence of her elder son, Tarique Rahman. Following her discharge from the London Clinic, she continued her recovery under the supervision of Professors Kennedy and Cross at Tarique Rahman’s residence. Meanwhile, the BNP chief’s Gulshan residence, ‘Firoza’, located at House 1, Road 80, has been fully prepared to welcome her. Khaleda Zia leaves London for Dhaka in air ambulance Upon her return, stringent security measures were observed around Khaleda’s residence. Members of the armed forces, along with law enforcement agencies, were deployed to ensure her safety. On Tuesday morning, the road in front of Firoza was seen closed to vehicular traffic, with only limited pedestrian access. A tight security perimeter was established by law enforcement officials. The premises had been thoroughly cleaned and decorated with flower pots in the garden, and utilities such as electricity, gas, and water supplies were checked, according to Sayrul Kabir Khan. Surrounded by high walls, the residence features a security room at the entrance, where members of the police and the Chairperson’s Security Force (CSF) are stationed in shifts to ensure round-the-clock security. Sayrul noted that all rooms inside the house had been cleaned, with the front garden decorated with flower pots, adding a touch of colour and warmth in anticipation of her arrival. Zubaida’s Homecoming After 17 Years Tarique, Dr Zubaida, and their daughter Zaima Rahman have been living in London since 2008. After 17 years in exile, Dr Zubaida Rahman also returned home with her mother-in-law, intending to stay at her father’s residence in Dhanmondi. Her father’s house, known as Mahbub Bhaban, located on Road 5 of Dhanmondi, has also been prepared to receive Zubaida. Although the house is well-maintained, additional arrangements have been made to ensure Zubaida’s comfort and security. Khaleda's Homecoming: DMP issues parking guidelines to avoid traffic Officials from the police and intelligence agencies have already inspected the property and outlined necessary security measures, as the BNP wrote to the Inspector General of Police requesting armed protection, a police presence at the residence, and the installation of an archway scanner, citing potential security threats to her.

After 17 years in exile, Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, is set to return to Dhaka on Tuesday with a plan to stay at her father’s Dhanmondi residence, marking a poignant homecoming. Zubaida is returning home with her mother-in-law and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, in an air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar. She left Dhaka with her husband Tarique Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman 17 years ago, on 11 September 2008. The house, known as Mahbub Bhaban, is located on Road 5 of Dhanmondi and was the residence of her late father, former Navy Chief Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan and the preparations are underway to welcome Zubaida to her paternal home, where she will be staying with her ailing mother. BNP Media Cell member Atikur Rahman Rumman told UNB that security and renovation works are going on at the residence. “Since Zubaida Rahman is coming to stay at the house, we’re making all arrangements, including decoration, CCTV installation and ensuring all utility services are in order so that she can stay there comfortably,” he said. Rumman said everything will be ready ahead of Zubaida’s arrival. “The Mahbub Bhaban will be fully prepared to receive her.” The Mahbub Bhaban is currently home to Zubaida’s mother, Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu, and the family of her elder sister, Shahina Zaman. Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu was recently admitted to a hospital in Dhaka. Rumman said extensive security measures have been taken at the residence, including the installation of CCTV cameras around the perimeter walls and the deployment of police and BNP Chairperson’s Special Security Force (CSF) personnel. Japan expects restoration of democratic order in Bangladesh: Khosru “The house is already well-kept, but we’ve made additional arrangements in view of Zubaida Rahman’s return,” he said. He said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has specifically instructed that no security arrangement should cause inconvenience to neighbours. “We’ve been clearly told to avoid any disturbance to surrounding residents. The Chairman wants everything done with care and respect.” Rumman said Mahbub Bhaban features a flower garden at the front and a dedicated guard room for security personnel. He said separate vehicles and a security team have been arranged for Dr Zubaida during her stay in Bangladesh. On 30 April, the BNP Chairperson’s personal secretary, ABM Abdus Sattar, wrote to the Inspector General of Police requesting armed protection, police presence at the residence, and the installation of an archway scanner, citing potential security threats to Zubaida Rahman. Rumman said officials from the police and intelligence agencies have already inspected the house and outlined necessary measures for her safety. Tarique Rahman, Dr Zubaida and their daughter Zaima Rahman have been living in London since 2008. It will be Zubaida’s first return to Bangladesh in 17 years. She became entangled in legal troubles during the 1/11 military-backed caretaker government and the subsequent Awami League administration. On 26 September 2008, the Anti-Corruption Commission filed a case with Kafrul Police Station against Tarique Rahman, Zubaida Rahman and her mother, Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu, for amassing wealth beyond known sources of income. Khaleda to reach Dhaka at 10:30am Tuesday Zubaida was later sentenced to three years in prison and fined Tk 35 lakh by a Dhaka court. It was later stayed following the fall of the Awami League government in August last year. Born in Sylhet May 18, 1972, Zubaida was admitted to Dhaka Medical College at the insistence of her parents after passing her higher secondary examinations with distinction. Zubaida married Tarique Rahman in 3 February 1994. She passed the MBBS examination with the highest merit and began her career as a government doctor through the BCS in 1995. Zubaida ranked first in the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS-Health) examination. Sheikh Hasina’s government dismissed her from her position after she went to London on study leave in 2008. After moving to London, Zubaida obtained a postgraduate degree in medicine from Imperial College. Zubaida’s father, Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan, served as Chief of the Bangladesh Navy during the government of former President Ziaur Rahman from 4 November 1978 to 6 August 1984. He subsequently served as the Minister of Communications and Agriculture under the government of Hussain Muhammad Ershad. General MAG Osmani, Commander-in-Chief of the Bangladesh Liberation War, was Zubaida’s uncle. BNP sources said the Qatari air ambulance carrying Khaleda and her entourage members, including Dr Zubaida Rahman, and her late son Arafat Rahman Koko’s wife Syeda Sharmila Rahman, along with members of her medical team, will depart from Heathrow Airport at 6:15pm (London time) on Monday. They are expected to reach Dhaka at 10:30am on Tuesday after a stopover in Doha. Khaleda Zia travelled to London on 8 January in the same special air ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar. Upon arrival, she was admitted to the London Clinic, a private hospital, where she remained under the care of renowned specialists Professor Patrick Kennedy and Professor Jennifer Cross for 17 days. Since 25 January, she has been receiving treatment at the residence of her elder son, Tarique Rahman.

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is going to return home on Monday after a four-month stay in London for advanced medical treatment. She is expected to be accompanied by her two daughters-in-law-Dr Zubaida Rahman and Syeda Sharmila Rahman, said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. “Insha’Allah, Madam will return on the morning of May 5 (Monday). As far as we know, her two daughters-in-law are also expected to accompany her,” he said. Khaleda Zia travelled to London on 8 January in a special air ambulance sent by the Amir of Qatar. Upon arrival, she was admitted to the London Clinic, a private hospital in London, where she remained under the supervision of renowned specialists Professor Patrick Kennedy and Professor Jennifer Cross for 17 days. Since 25 January, she has been receiving treatment at the residence of her elder son Tarique Rahman. Khaleda Zia undergoes 'complete health check-up in London This year, for the first time in over half a decade, Khaleda Zia celebrated Eid with her family members in London. Asked about her current health condition, Fakhrul said, “Alhamdulillah, Madam is definitely doing better than before.” Replying to another question, he said they had a plan to bring the BNP Chairperson back via the same Qatari air ambulance which carried her to London on January 8. “There have been some delays due to technical reasons. If the air ambulance is not available at the last moment, Madam has decided to return by Biman Bangladesh Airlines,” he said. The BNP leader said all arrangements have been made with Biman in this regard. “If she departs on 4 May, Insha’Allah she will arrive in Dhaka by around 11am the following day.” BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan said Khaleda’s Gulshan residence ‘Firoza’ has been cleaned and made ready as she is returning home. Khaleda’s personal secretary ABM Abdus Sattar said, “We are completing all necessary preparations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, law enforcement agencies and other relevant authorities have been informed about Madam’s return.” Last week, Mirza Fakhrul formally informed the Interim Government’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain of Khaleda Zia’s planned return in a letter. Later, both the Bangladesh High Commissions in London and Doha have reportedly been engaged in facilitating her journey home. Khaleda Zia was imprisoned in 2018 under the then Sheikh Hasina-led government following a conviction in a corruption case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission. In March 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the government temporarily released her on an executive order, suspending her sentence on the condition that she remain at her Gulshan residence and not leave the country. Khaleda Zia's condition much better, says Fakhrul On 6 August 2023, Khaleda Zia was fully freed by an order from President Mohammed Shahabuddin. Tarique Rahman, Dr Zubaida and their daughter Zaima Rahman have been living in London since 2008.