Tarique Rahman Biography: Return to Bangladesh, Career, her gut, Networth, wife and Life Story

Tarique Rahman Biography: Return to Bangladesh, Career, and Life Story

This comprehensive biography explores the life, political evolution, and dramatic 2025 homecoming of Tarique Rahman (often natively spelled Tarique Zia). As the Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), his journey from the son of a president to an exiled leader—and now the frontrunner for the Premiership—is a defining saga in South Asian politics.

Quick Profile: Tarique Rahman Biography at a Glance

Category	Details
Full Name	Tarique Rahman (Tarique Zia)
Date of Birth	November 20, 1965
Place of Birth	Dhaka, Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan)
Zodiac Sign	Scorpio
Parents	Ziaur Rahman (Father) & Khaleda Zia (Mother)
Education	Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka
Spouse	Dr. Zubaida Rahman (Cardiologist)
Children	Zaima Rahman (Barrister)
Political Office	Acting Chairman, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)
Exile Period	2008 – 2025 (17 Years in London)
Height	Approx. 5' 10"
Net Worth	Estimated in Millions (Family Assets & Business)

Introduction: Who is Tarique Rahman?

Tarique Rahman is the current Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a central figure in the nation's democratic movements. Born on November 20, 1965, in Dhaka, he is the eldest son of former President Ziaur Rahman and three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. On December 25, 2025, Tarique officially ended his 17-year asylum in London, returning to Dhaka to lead his party into the 2026 general elections.

Early Life and Roots

Birthplace and Childhood

Tarique was born into a family destined to lead. His early years were marked by the 1971 Liberation War, during which he was one of the nation's youngest prisoners of war, detained alongside his mother and brother. Growing up in the Dhaka Cantonment, he attended BAF Shaheen College before studying International Relations at the University of Dhaka.

Parents and Legacy

His father, Ziaur Rahman, was a legendary military commander and the founder of the BNP, while his mother, Khaleda Zia, broke barriers as the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh. This lineage provided Tarique with an unparalleled political platform but also made him a target for political rivals.

Political Career: From Grassroots to Leadership

Early Career Struggle

Tarique Rahman’s early career struggle did not start in the capital. In 1988, he began at the grassroots level in Gabtali, Bogra. He spent years building a network of primary members, focusing on rural development and organizational reform.

Career Peak

His career peak began in the early 2000s when he was appointed Senior Joint Secretary General. He modernized the party's communication and strategy from the "Hawa Bhaban" office. Since 2018, he has effectively led the party from abroad, maintaining unity among millions of supporters despite his physical absence.

The 17-Year Exile: Why He Left Bangladesh

The question "Why did Tarique Rahman leave Bangladesh?" is tied to the political turmoil of 2007. Following his arrest by a military-backed caretaker government and subsequent reports of custodial torture, Tarique suffered severe spinal injuries. In 2008, he was released on parole for medical treatment and sought asylum in London, where he lived as a political refugee for nearly two decades.

The Historic Return: December 25, 2025

The Tarique Rahman return to Bangladesh after 17 years is being described as a turning point in the nation's history. Landing in Dhaka on Christmas Day, 2025, he was greeted by a sea of supporters stretching miles from the airport.

✅ A Hero's Welcome: Thousands of activists donned BNP colors to welcome their leader.

✅ Legal Clearance: His return was made possible after Dhaka courts acquitted him of long-standing charges, including the 21st August grenade attack case, citing a lack of evidence and political bias in previous rulings.

Personal Life: Family and Status

✅ Wife: He is married to Dr. Zubaida Rahman, a highly accomplished cardiologist.

✅ Kids: His daughter, Zaima Rahman, a London-based barrister, is widely seen as a future leader.

✅ Lifestyle: Known for his disciplined lifestyle, Tarique is a tech-savvy leader who pioneered digital politics for the BNP.

✅ Controversies: While often targeted by rivals with "top scandals," his recent legal exonerations have largely neutralized these claims in the eyes of his voters.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

✅ Who is Tarique Rahman?

He is the Acting Chairman of the BNP and the son of Bangladesh's most prominent political couple, Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.

✅ When did Tarique Rahman return to Bangladesh?

Tarique Rahman returned on December 25, 2025, ending 17 years of exile.

✅ Why was Tarique Rahman in London for so long?

He went to London in 2008 for medical treatment and remained there under political asylum due to numerous legal cases filed against him by the previous government.

✅ Is Tarique Rahman eligible to be Prime Minister?

Yes. Following his 2024 and 2025 legal acquittals, his sentences were quashed, making him legally eligible to lead the BNP in the upcoming February 12, 2026, general elections.

✅ Who is Zaima Rahman?

Zaima Rahman is the only daughter of Tarique Rahman. She is a UK-qualified barrister and is increasingly viewed as the "third generation" leader of the Zia family.

✅ What was the "Hawa Bhaban" controversy?

It was an office in Dhaka used by the BNP during their 2001–2006 tenure. Rivals claimed it was a parallel center of power. However, courts cleared Tarique of these specific allegations in early 2025.

✅ How did Tarique Rahman lead the BNP from London?

He utilized digital platforms like Zoom and WhatsApp to connect directly with grassroots leaders in remote villages, a strategy often called "Digital BNP."

✅ What is Tarique Rahman’s official website and social media?

His official website is www.tariquerahman.info. He is also active on X (Twitter) and Facebook under official verified handles.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Bangladesh

The return of Tarique Rahman marks the beginning of a high-stakes chapter in Bangladeshi politics. From his early career struggles in the villages of Bogra to his career peak as the leader-in-waiting, Tarique has shown remarkable resilience. As the nation moves toward the February 12, 2026 elections, his leadership will be the primary factor in determining the country's democratic future.

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