Khaleda Zia Led BNP in Times of Crisis, Will Zubaida Follow the Same Path?

Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, left Dhaka with her husband on 11 September 2008 and has not returned to the country since. For the next 17 years, she lived abroad alongside her husband.

Following the change in the political situation on 5 August, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia travelled to London for medical treatment, and Dr Zubaida Rahman returned to Dhaka with her from London. Her arrival in Dhaka before Tarique Rahman drew public attention and curiosity. After staying for a short period, she returned to London.

Meanwhile, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital since 23 November. A specialised medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder is overseeing her treatment, and Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of Tarique Rahman, is a member of this medical board.

At a time when Khaleda Zia is again being discussed for transfer to London in a critical condition, Dr Zubaida Rahman has returned to Dhaka. Arriving from London on Friday (5 December), she went straight to Evercare Hospital to see her mother-in-law. As the nation prays for Khaleda Zia during this critical moment, Zubaida has once again arrived in the country as a figure of reassurance. Her responsible role has prompted public discussion about whether, just as Khaleda Zia led the BNP during difficult times, Zubaida Rahman may now follow the same path.

If Dr Zubaida Rahman were to engage directly in politics, it could create a new political equation in the country. Political analysts believe she has grown up in a highly influential political family and has gained experience observing different layers of politics over many years. As a result, active political participation may not pose a major challenge for her.

Earlier, in early October, Tarique Rahman gave an interview to BBC Bangla. When asked whether his wife or daughter would enter politics, he said that when the child of a doctor becomes a doctor, sometimes they perform well and sometimes they do not. Similarly, the children of lawyers may or may not become good lawyers like their parents. He said that many politicians’ children have entered politics, but not all of them have succeeded.

Tarique Rahman further said that politics is not about family inheritance, but about public support. Whoever can organise people, unite them, and move the party forward will succeed. Those who cannot will fail, and time and circumstances will prove everything.

Political analysts say that Dr Zubaida Rahman’s entry into active politics would have a positive impact on the BNP. The party has long suffered from a moral and organisational vacuum due to the absence of central leadership. Her presence could help fill that gap and potentially revive internal unity, moral strength, and public support for the BNP.

Khaborwala/SS