After spending nearly 17 years in exile, Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s de facto chief Tarique Rahman has returned to the country, bringing with him a new and closely watched presence in national politics — his daughter, Zaima Rahman. A London-trained barrister, Zaima has entered Bangladesh’s political landscape quietly but meaningfully, drawing attention as a potential new face of the BNP. In a recent Facebook post, she reflected on her return to her roots, writing that she had never forgotten them. She also spoke affectionately of her grandmother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, whom she called “Dadu,” evoking a sense of continuity across three generations of the influential political family.
As crowds gathered in Dhaka to welcome Tarique Rahman’s return, Zaima and her mother, Zubaida Rahman, arrived at the family residence on Gulshan Avenue. While the public spotlight remained firmly on Tarique, images of Zaima from the flight and the airport began circulating widely, quietly introducing her to the political consciousness of the country. Her arrival has been viewed by many as symbolic, especially as the BNP looks to reshape its image ahead of the 2026 national elections.
Educated in the United Kingdom and trained as a barrister, Zaima represents a departure from the traditional political profile associated with the BNP. The party has long been weighed down by allegations of corruption and misuse of power, particularly during the period when Tarique Rahman’s office at Hawa Bhaban was seen as an alternative power centre. As the party attempts to rebuild credibility and appeal to younger voters, Zaima’s presence is being seen as part of a broader effort to project renewal and reform.
Zaima is the only daughter of Tarique Rahman and the granddaughter of two towering figures in Bangladeshi politics — Khaleda Zia and the late President Ziaur Rahman. Despite this lineage, she has largely stayed away from politics, spending most of her life in London and focusing on her legal career. Unlike many heirs of political families, she has not previously held party positions or contested elections, keeping a low public profile for most of her adult life.
Her first brush with public attention came during the 2001 general elections when, as a six-year-old, she accompanied her grandmother to a polling station. That election saw the BNP secure a sweeping victory, returning Khaleda Zia to power. Years later, Zaima recalled a childhood memory in which she visited her grandmother’s office after winning a school football tournament, proudly showing her medal and recounting the match. The anecdote, which she shared recently on social media, offered a glimpse into her close personal bond with Khaleda Zia and her early exposure to public life.
Zaima returned to the public eye more prominently in 2021, when a controversial remark made by then Awami League minister Murad Hasan about her led to widespread outrage. The incident eventually resulted in the minister’s resignation and legal action against him. Since then, Zaima has gradually begun to appear more frequently alongside her father, especially following the student-led July movement that shook Bangladesh’s political landscape.
She later represented Tarique Rahman at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC, where she was part of a BNP delegation that included senior leaders. In November 2025, she attended her first official party meeting with BNP leaders and European representatives, marking another step in her political visibility. These appearances, though limited, suggested a slow and deliberate entry into political life rather than an abrupt launch.
Zaima’s return to Bangladesh now carries both personal and political significance. In her recent Facebook post, she expressed a desire to contribute meaningfully to the country’s future and to reconnect with people directly rather than from afar. She described her years abroad as a period of distance that she now hopes to replace with lived experience and deeper understanding. During the turbulent months following the student-led movement, she said she had stayed largely in the background, offering support where possible and standing by her family during difficult times.
She also stated her intention to stand beside her grandmother and support her father during the ongoing political campaign, emphasizing her wish to help rebuild the country and engage with people at the grassroots level. While she has not announced any intention to contest elections or assume a formal party role, her increasing public presence and carefully worded statements have sparked widespread speculation about her future in politics.
As Bangladesh moves toward a highly charged election season marked by political tension, unrest and deep polarization, Zaima Rahman’s emergence adds a new dimension to the political landscape. Though still cautious and measured in her approach, her return signals the possible rise of a new generation within the BNP, one that may seek to redefine the party’s image while carrying forward its powerful legacy.
