Dr. Zubaida Rahman: From Medical Merit to Legal Limelight in Bangladeshi Politics
Dr. Zubaida Rahman, a physician by profession and the wife of BNP’s acting chairperson Tarique Rahman, remains a significant name in the context of Bangladesh’s political and legal landscape. With her recent conviction and ongoing exile, her story represents a compelling intersection of personal accomplishment, political legacy, and judicial scrutiny.
Background and Academic Excellence
Born on May 18, 1972, in Sylhet, Zubaida Rahman belongs to a family with deep national significance. Her father, Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan, was a former Chief of Naval Staff and cabinet minister. She is also related to war hero General M.A.G. Osmani and global human rights advocate Irene Khan.
Zubaida completed her higher education at the esteemed Imperial College London, earning her MSc with top distinction. She ranked first in the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) health cadre examination in 1995, joining the government’s medical service, only to be terminated from it in 2014 under controversial circumstances.
Marriage Into a Political Dynasty
In 1994, Zubaida married Tarique Rahman, the eldest son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman. While she remained mostly uninvolved in frontline politics, her proximity to the country's most powerful political family inevitably placed her in the public spotlight.
Anti-Corruption Case and Conviction
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed a case in 2007 against Zubaida, Tarique, and her mother, accusing them of illicit wealth accumulation worth Tk 4.81 crore and hiding related financial data. After years of legal proceedings and multiple appeals, Zubaida was declared a fugitive in April 2022 by the Supreme Court due to her failure to appear in court.
On August 2, 2023, a Dhaka court sentenced her to three years in prison and imposed a fine of Tk 45 lakh. Tarique Rahman received a nine-year sentence along with a fine of Tk 3 crore.
Sentence Suspension and Exile Status
In October 2024, the government conditionally suspended her sentence for one year under Section 401(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code. However, the suspension is contingent upon her surrender to the court and filing of a formal appeal. Both she and Tarique Rahman have lived in self-imposed exile in London since 2008.
Electoral Ban
Zubaida Rahman is currently barred from participating in national elections, per Article 66(2)(d) of the Bangladeshi Constitution. The law prevents anyone convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude and sentenced to over two years in prison from contesting elections until five years have passed since their release.
Conclusion
Dr. Zubaida Rahman’s journey from a highly respected medical professional to a convicted political figure illustrates the unpredictable blend of ambition, legacy, and legal entanglements in Bangladeshi politics. Her life continues to be a subject of public discourse, raising critical questions about political justice, due process, and institutional transparency.
