United News of Bangladesh

Zubaida Rahman, wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and their daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman on Thursday took iftar with orphan students at a women’s madrasah in the capital on the first day of Ramadan. They joined the iftar at Jamia Qurbaniya Talimia Dawra Hadis Mohila Madrasah and Orphanage in West Bhashantek under Dhaka-17 seat, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Before the iftar, Zubaida and Zaima spoke with the orphan students and enquired about their well-being. Tarique Rahman is the MP from Dhaka-17 constituency. Free education for girls up to honours if BNP wins: Zubaida Rahman  

Barrister Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, on Sunday said political parties must take greater responsibility for ensuring women’s security—both online and offline—as well as within their own organisations. “I think political parties should take more responsibility for women’s security in terms of cyberbullying and physical safety,” she said while addressing a seminar in the capital. The seminar titled “Women’s Struggle for Democracy: Contributions and the Bangladesh of Tomorrow”, was held at the Bangladesh Institute of Strategic Studies (BISS) conference hall. Zaima said alongside state laws, political parties should introduce their own codes of conduct to protect women within party structures from harassment and other forms of abuse. “Political parties should have internal codes of conduct so that they can protect women within the party and stand by them if any untoward incident occurs,” she said. Calling for greater participation of women in policymaking, Zaima stressed the need to build and sustain a leadership pipeline from student politics to local government. Read More: Zaima Rahman calls for common platform to build inclusive Bangladesh “If we fail to create and maintain this pipeline, opportunities will not be available and capable women leaders will not come forward,” she said, highlighting the importance of continuity in leadership development. Zaima noted that while men often receive various opportunities in politics, women do not enjoy the same level of access. She also emphasised the role of mentorship and training by political parties in nurturing young women leaders. “Political parties also must take responsibility for mentoring and training young women so that new leadership can emerge,” she said. Read More: Zaima Rahman joins BNP meeting for first time Highlighting the economic barriers faced by women in politics, Zaima said financial constraints remain a major challenge. She urged political parties to provide financial support to reduce gender disparity in politics and promote women’s leadership. “Financing is a major factor in politics. More support and facilities are needed to reduce inequality. If women leaders receive such support, women’s participation in politics will increase,” Zaima said. Urging the effective use of young people’s talents, Tarique’s daughter said the country needs a change in mindset of people to build a different and inclusive Bangladesh.

Barrister Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, on Saturday conducted a door-to-door election campaign in Dhaka-17 constituency, seeking public support for her father ahead of the national election. Zaima began the campaign around noon from Gulshan Police Plaza area and moved through different roads of Gulshan, directly approaching voters and requesting support for the BNP’s electoral symbol, the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’. During the campaign, she distributed leaflets among pedestrians, rickshaw-pullers, auto-rickshaw drivers, shopkeepers, street vendors and shoppers at local shopping malls. BNP to build equitable, knowledge-based society, hopes Zubaida  

Barrister Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, on Monday stressed the need for a common platform to ensure the participation of people from all walks of life in building inclusive Bangladesh. “If people from different places and backgrounds want to work towards a common goal, we should give them that opportunity by creating a platform and providing access. That would benefit everyone. Everyone should have the chance to take part in state-building,” she said. Zaima made the remarks while speaking with young people at an informal discussion programme titled ‘Chayer Adda’ (Tea Talk) held at Mohakhali DOHS playground in the afternoon. The event was organised by the BNP Election Steering Committee’s Content Generation Team. Read More: Bangladesh cannot sideline half its population, says Zaima Rahman During the programme, she moved from table to table, listening to the thoughts, concerns and aspirations of students from different universities and colleges. Expressing concern over cyberbullying, Zaima said laws alone are not enough to tackle the problem unless they are properly enforced. “Women are often pushed out of public life through bullying, and changing such mindsets is very difficult.” She also said the issue could be addressed more effectively if social media platforms set up offices in Bangladesh. Zaima said young people have shown strong interest in contributing to the country, which should be seen positively. “There must be a platform where everyone can come forward and work together for the country.” During discussions, students raised various issues, including air pollution in Dhaka, traffic congestion, unemployment, harassment of women, urbanisation problems and the need for decentralisation. Read More: Zaima, other family members visit Khaleda Zia’s grave She listened to students’ views on employment generation, including the need for part-time job opportunities during academic life, and discussed how open and practical planning can help young people become more independent. Speaking about education, Zaima said disparities between urban and rural education could be reduced if steps were taken from the primary level. She also said the gap between Dhaka University and other colleges and universities in and outside the capital needs to be reduced to ensure balanced education. Zaima stressed the importance of practical and co-curricular activities alongside academic curricula at the higher education level. On employment, she listened to students’ views on how young people could be better prepared for the job market. Students also shared their opinions on reducing traffic congestion in Dhaka, noting that having the same schedules for offices and educational institutions worsens traffic jams. In response, Zaima said better coordination of school and office timings could help reduce pressure on roads. She also highlighted the importance of safe footpaths and proper street lighting to encourage walking and reduce reliance on vehicles. Read More: Zaima, other family members visit Khaleda Zia’s grave Zaima said people rely too much on vehicles even for short distances. “If roads, footpaths and street lighting are improved from a safety point of view, people can walk everywhere. Walking even 10 or 15 minutes would be better.” Students also shared concerns about gas and water shortages in the capital, as well as the growing sense of loneliness among urban youth. During the discussion, a question was raised about those who were injured, disabled or lost their eyesight during the July movement, many of whom are still very young. In response, Zaima said the issue is a matter of concern for her family. “My father, my mother and I discuss this issue. The answer would be long, and time is short today. We will talk about this later.” Asked whether she herself has the opportunity to contribute more actively, Tarique’s daughter smiled and replied, “Let’s see, Inshallah. We can work together. It is not possible to work alone.” She said ordinary people often find it difficult to reach politicians, which limits diversity of opinions. “If such opportunities are created, diversity will naturally grow. Criticism is an important element in decision-making. Good decisions come through criticism,” she said, adding that politics should be as open as possible to common people. At another table, Zaima thanked the students for attending and said the purpose of the gathering was to understand what kind of Dhaka and Bangladesh young people want to see in the future. “We want an inclusive Dhaka where different kinds of people can live together,” she said. At the end of the programme, she thanked the participants for joining the discussion and expressed her willingness to sit with young people again in similar informal gatherings in the future. Organisers said the aim of the programme was to create a meaningful and constructive dialogue between young voters and national political voices, focusing on political awareness, voting rights and young people’s vision for Bangladesh. Read More: Tarique Rahman also warns of election manipulation, urges vigilance

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s daughter Zaima Rahman on Sunday said Bangladesh cannot afford to sideline half its population through exhaustion and social expectation if the country wants real progress. “For a country facing climate change, economic and political transitions, and demographic pressure, Bangladesh cannot afford to sideline half its population through exhaustion and social expectation,” she said while speaking at a dialogue. Zaima said when women are included rather than sidelined, they transform not only their own lives but also the future of their families and the nation. She said real progress and sustainable national development require that women’s empowerment goes beyond classrooms, offices, or policies. “It must reach our homes, our institutions, and our mindsets, and it must be the responsibility of all of us.” The dialogue, titled ‘Women Shaping the Nation: Policy, Possibility, and Future of Bangladesh’, was organised by Dhaka Forum at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium. Drawing on her personal experience, Zaima highlighted the role of her family in shaping her understanding of women’s potential, and stressed the crucial role of men, particularly fathers, in breaking the cycle of gender inequality. Zaima said she had never been made to feel that her parents wished for a son instead and recalled that her father had once scolded someone for even asking such a question. She noted that while she was treated with respect and care at home, her father understood that the world outside would not always be the same, and he ensured she could navigate it with confidence. She explained that his example was not in speeches but in consistent actions, which showed her what she should expect from the world. Zaima also said this is how real and lasting change can be achieved, and when men confront unconscious bias in their homes and lives and model respect and fairness, they create space for women not only to survive but to thrive. She also spoke about her mother, a cardiologist, who excelled professionally in often patriarchal environments while raising a family, supported by her household. Zaima highlighted her maternal grandmother Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu who in 1979 started a free elementary school for disadvantaged children in her home—a small act that grew into one of Bangladesh’s earliest NGOs, Surovi, transforming countless young lives. She said her grandparents instilled the belief that women’s dignity must be recognised both privately and publicly.

The Election Commission will decide on the inclusion of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and his daughter Zaima Rahman in the national voter list, which will be used for the upcoming general election and the referendum scheduled for February 12, 2026. “Their names will be placed before the commission tomorrow (Sunday). If the Commission approves, then they will be included in the voter list to be used in the February-12 election,” said EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed. He was briefing reporters at Nirbachan Bhaban after Tarique Rahman and Zaima Rahman completed the national identity and voter registration process at the EC’s NID office in the Electoral Training Institute. The EC Secretary said they were allowed to complete the registration process as the EC has authority to enroll eligible in the voter list as per the Electoral Rolls Act 2009. Tarique, Zaima complete NID and voter registration “They’ve completed the registration process…But it takes time to process the application. I believe, it will be completed by today and then they will get their NID Numbers,” he said. Then the issue will be placed on Sunday for the approval from the commission to include them in the country's voter list to be used in the upcoming parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order.    

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman arrived at the Election Commission’s National Identity Wing in the city’s Agargaon area on Saturday (December 27, 2025) to complete his National Identity Card (NID) registration and enlist himself as a voter. He reached the National Identity Wing office, located at the Electoral Training Institute, at 1pm. As part of the registration process, Tarique Rahman will provide biometric data and submit the required documents. Tarique Rahman leaves home to visit Osman Hadi’s grave at Dhaka University Earlier, his daughter Zaima Rahman along with her mother Zubaida Rahman arrived at the same office at around 12:26 pm. After completing the necessary formalities, they left the office at around 12:45 pm, before Tarique’s arrival. According to BNP sources, Tarique, Zubaida and Zaima have already completed the online voter registration form. They are supposed to be registered as voters in the Dhaka-17 constituency under DNCC Ward No. 19 in the Gulshan area, using the address of House No. 196, Gulshan-2. Earlier in the day, Tarique offered fateha at the grave of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho, who died a week after being shot on December 12. Tarique offers fateha at Hadi’s grave Accompanied by senior BNP leaders, Tarique first placed a wreath at Hadi’s grave at around 11:30 am, paying tribute to the July uprising activist. He later offered fateha and joined a munajat, seeking the salvation of Hadi’s departed soul. The munajat was conducted by Abu Bakar Siddique, the elder brother of Sharif Osman Hadi. Tarique and his party colleagues also placed a wreath at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, near the Dhaka University Central Mosque. They also joined a munajat there as well. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, among others, were present. Members of the police, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were deployed across the Shahbagh and Dhaka University areas to maintain security. Tarique left his Gulshan Avenue residence at around 10:40 am in a white bulletproof SUV and reached the Dhaka University campus at around 11:15 am under tight security. From the Election Commission, he is scheduled to visit Mahbub Bhaban in Dhanmondi, the residence of his father-in-law. He will then go to Evercare Hospital to visit his ailing mother. Read more: Tarique visits National Martyrs’ Memorial, pays homage to martyrs Tarique was earlier scheduled to visit the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), popularly known as Pangu Hospital, to meet those injured during the July 2024 mass uprising. However, the programme has been cancelled. In a Facebook post on Saturday morning, BNP’s Media Cell said Tarique would not visit Pangu Hospital as there are no injured victims of the July mass uprising. Sharif Osman Hadi, a leader of Inquilab Moncho and a prospective candidate for Dhaka-8, was shot in the head on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw on Culvert Road in Puratan Paltan. The incident occurred a day after the Election Commission announced February 12 as the date for the next national election. For advanced treatment, Hadi was airlifted to Singapore, where he died from his injuries on the night of December 18. He was laid to rest beside the grave of Kazi Nazrul Islam on December 20. Aged 32, Hadi was a prominent figure in the July 2024 uprising and served as the spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho. Read more: Inqilab Moncho shifts blockade from Shahbagh ahead of Tarique’s visit Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh on Thursday morning after nearly 17 years abroad. His return has drawn widespread attention and strong emotions among BNP leaders, activists and supporters across the country. He was greeted with a large and jubilant reception, with party leaders describing his homecoming as historic.

After 17 years in exile, Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Tarique Rahman is poised to return home on Thursday morning, a moment the party describes as both politically significant and emotionally charged. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed disclosed a detailed timeline at a press conference held at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office on Wednesday. According to the plan, Tarique Rahman will depart London’s Heathrow Airport on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman and their beloved pet cat Jebu. Party sources said senior journalist Saleh Shibly and three personal aides will also travel with him. Arrival & Programmes “Our leader will leave London on a regular Bangladesh Airlines flight from Heathrow Airport around midnight (Bangladesh time). After a transit stop in Sylhet, he will arrive in Dhaka at 11:50am tomorrow (Thursday) morning, Insha’Allah,” said Salahuddin. He said BNP Standing Committee members will receive the party’s Acting Chairman at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. From the airport, the BNP leader said, Tarique will proceed directly to join a reception programme as their party has arranged on the 36 July Expressway (300 Feet Road). “It will be a short programme. He (Tarique) will speak there thanking the people of the country, expressing his gratitude, and offering gratefulness to the Almighty Allah,” he said. To minimise public inconvenience and traffic congestion in Dhaka, Salahuddin said Tarique alone will speak at the reception. After the programme, he said the BNP Acting Chairman will visit his mother and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is currently undergoing treatment in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital, Bashundhara. After spending some time beside Khaleda, Tarique will proceed to House No-196 on Gulshan Avenue, where he will stay. On Friday, following the Jumma prayers, Tarique Rahman will visit the grave of his father and BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman.  He is also later scheduled to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Memorial in Savar. Read more: Sense of insecurity gripped nation ahead of Tarique’s homecoming: Abbas On Saturday, Tarique Rahman will be formally registered as a voter. After completing the process, he will visit the grave of Osman Hadi near the Dhaka University Central Mosque. He will later go to the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), popularly known as Pangu Hospital, to meet those injured in the July 2024 uprising. Advance Apology Salahuddin, on behalf of BNP, sincerely apologised in advance for any inconvenience or suffering caused by the unavoidable and minimal programmes taken by the party to organise the historic homecoming of its beloved leader. “You know that Mr Tarique Rahman does not support any programme that may cause public inconvenience. He has already asked expatriate leaders, activists, and supporters not to gather at London’s Heathrow Airport on the day of his departure from there” he said. In Bangladesh too, the BNP leader said that although they sincerely tried to follow his instructions to avoid causing public suffering, it may not have been possible to fully comply.  “So, we express our advance apology and regret for any public inconvenience.” Salahuddin said Tarique has chosen a government holiday for his return to avoid public inconvenience. He said the programme at the 300 Feet Road is neither a public rally nor a reception. “It is only meant for him to express sincere gratitude to the people of the country and to request prayers for the well-being of the party chairperson and everyone in the country. There will be no second speaker at the event besides him.” The BNP leader said no matter how much they try to keep the event small, they do not have the ability to control the large flow of leaders, activists and supporters who has been waiting for 17 years and are coming to the capital from all parts of the country. “Still, we have instructed our supporters to mostly use the Kanchan Bridge to reach the venue.” He also outlined arrangements in the capital, including reception points at different locations, designated parking areas for vehicles, medical camps and field hospitals. Security Arrangements BNP Chairperson’s Chief Security Officer retired Brigadier General AKM Saiful Islam said, “We will use our party’s full security system. A small part of it is the Chairperson Security Force (CSF). Beyond that, our party leaders and activists, and above all, the people of Bangladesh, are the main foundation of our security.” He said the government is providing them with maximum cooperation and has instructed its various forces and agencies to extend all kinds of support. “We have developed close coordination with them. By integrating government organisations with our party’s own strength, we hope to build the strongest possible security arrangement based on the known security needs.” No Gathering at Sylhet Airport BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said their beloved leader, Tarique Rahman, will return to the country on a Bangladesh Airlines flight, which will first land at Sylhet Airport. He instructed leaders and activists of Sylhet city and district not to gather at the airport. “No leaders or activists from Sylhet city or district should gather at the airport. No one should go there. Our leader will continue on the same flight to Dhaka. After arriving in Dhaka, he will speak to the people of the country at the programme we have arranged there,” Rizvi said. Tarique Rahman was arrested during the caretaker government in 2007 and spent around 18 months in prison. After his release in 2008, he left for the United Kingdom for advanced medical treatment. Although he has been leading the party from abroad, his return now comes as he prepares to take a more direct role in party affairs after a long 17-year absence. Read more: BNP strikes election deal with 7 more partners, reserves 8 seats

Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and granddaughter of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, on Tuesday (December 23, 2025) said she hopes to contribute to rebuilding Bangladesh and understand the country better by connecting directly with people. She made the remarks in a personal Facebook post in which she shared reflections on her family, roots and journey ahead of her return to Bangladesh. In the post, Zaima recalled her childhood memories with her grandmother, fondly calling her ‘Dadu’, and described Khaleda Zia as a caring and proud family figure despite carrying the responsibilities of leading the nation. “One of my most cherished memories of my Dadu captures her fiercely loving and loyal matriarchal role in our family. When I was around eleven, our high school team won a football tournament. My mother took me straight to Dadu’s office so that I could show her my medal and tell her about it myself. As I animatedly recounted my goalkeeping ‘heroics’, I was keenly aware of how attentive and proud she was. So much so that she would share that childhood story with others,” Zaima said. Read more: Tarique’s homecoming: Special trains to run on 10 routes She wrote that while millions knew Khaleda Zia as the Prime Minister, to her and her cousins she was first a loving grandmother who always made time for her family and celebrated their small achievements. Zaima said those moments became her first lessons in leadership, humility, sincerity and the importance of listening to others. 'Seventeen years away from Bangladesh have been transformative, but I never forgot to tend to and cultivate my roots. Why? Because we are shaped by what we anchor ourselves to our culture, community, and identity. Like many second and third generation Bangladeshis abroad, I have lived in more than one world. London grounded me and gave me a global perspective, but Bangladesh always remained my focus," she said. Zaima also shared her experience of studying and practising law, saying that working closely with people taught her empathy, integrity and the importance of understanding others, especially those who feel unheard by the justice system. Tarique’s only daughter said she never met her grandfather and late President Ziaur Rahman but grew up learning about his integrity and patriotism, which she said had been carried forward by her grandmother and father. Read more: Those opposed to election also stoking violence, instability: Amir Khosru Referring to the mass uprising and the period following August 5, she said she mostly remained in the background, offering support where she could and trying to ease the burden on her family through small but meaningful actions. Expressing her feelings about returning home, Zaima said she wants to stand beside her grandmother and support her father during the current campaign period. "I hope to give back to my country in whatever ways I can. I want to see Bangladesh be rebuilt and thrive, as it should. I want to rediscover my homeland through my own eyes and lived experiences, to connect with people face to face, because that is the sincerest way to understand another’s perspective, just as I have been taught. Acknowledging public curiosity and expectations surrounding her family, Zaima said she feels that weight herself but sees it as part of her personal journey. “So, this is my journey, told in my own way,” she wrote, adding that if it resonates with others, she hopes they can walk that journey together. Read more: Attacks on institutions threaten restoration of democracy: Rizvi Zaima is scheduled to return to Bangladesh with her father Tarique Rahman on Thursday (December 25), ending their 17-year exile abroad, as they have been living in London since September 2008.

Barrister Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, virtually joined a party meeting and spoke for the first time on Sunday (November 23). A short video showing Zaima taking part in the virtual meeting of expatriate party leaders has gone viral on social media. The meeting, held on Sunday with BNP leaders based abroad and a European representatives’ team, discussed expatriate voting activities. From Dhaka, BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, and BNP Media Cell convener Mowdud Hossain Alamgir Pavel joined virtually. Zaima, who has so far stayed away from formal political activities, was seen thanking participants in the 39-second video clip. “Thank you, everyone. Thank you for coming and for all the work you have done. You have shared your thoughts, the problems and the advantages. A few issues have been discussed. Rizvi uncle has taken notes, Pavel uncle too. We will see centrally how much we can do,” she said. Read more: Tarique cites Prophet’s ideals, seeks Islamic scholars’ support for BNP “The work must move forward. Everyone is in touch with each other and should help in every possible way. Khokon uncle explained well how things should be done according to time. We should not delay. We should prioritise and work according to the schedule. Thank you so much,” Zaima added. BNP Media Cell member Atikur Rahman Rumi told UNB that although Zaima joined the virtual meeting and spoke, the video was not released officially. “It has not been published by the BNP Media Cell or on Zaima Rahman’s own page. Someone secretly recorded a short clip and posted it on social media,” he said. This is the first time Zaima has been seen in a BNP organisational meeting related to expatriate voting activities. Earlier, she attended the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC on 5–6 February this year as part of a BNP delegation. The three-member team was led by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, with Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury also present. Last month, in an interview with the BBC, Tarique Rahman was asked whether his family members — including his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman — would join politics in the future. Tarique replied, “Time and circumstances will say.” Zaima moved to London with her parents in 2008. She completed her schooling, secondary and higher studies there.  She earned her Law degree from Queen Mary University of London and later completed her Bar-at-Law from Lincoln’s Inn. Read more: Khaleda admitted to Evercare Hospital with chest infection