Zubaida Rahman: From Physician to Potential Political Leadership

As much as the role of women in Bangladesh's political history is discussed, the invisible power behind some women has been much more important, whose leadership influence is never directly visible, but their presence or indirect cooperation has a profound impact on the country's political scene. Dr. Zubaida Rahman is one such exceptional woman. Internationally renowned as a physician, as well as a member of a powerful family in the political context—she has now emerged as a new face of the country's political potential. Although she has not yet entered politics directly, her name often comes up in political discussions. Let's know in detail about her life, education, career and her potential to enter politics.

From Physician to Political Potential: Zubaida Rahman at a Glance
Dr. Zubaida Rahman was born on June 18, 1972 in Sylhet. Her father, Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan, was a former Chief of the Bangladesh Navy and her family has maintained an important position in a political context. Zobaida Rahman has a special title—she is a relative of General M.A.G. Osmani, who played an undeniable role in Bangladesh’s Liberation War. All these family connections and traditions have taken her to a different level in political terms.

She secured first place in the BCS Health Cadre in 1995. She then obtained her MBBS degree from Dhaka Medical College and later did her Masters (MSc) in Medicine from Imperial College, London. Her journey as a doctor was very successful and she contributed immensely to medical services while living abroad, especially in the migrant community. This experience prepared her to play an important role in the country’s health sector.

Family Life: Close to politics, but silent
In 1994, she married Tarique Rahman. Tarique Rahman is the Senior Vice Chairman of BNP and a member of one of the most important political families in Bangladesh. Dr. Zobaida Rahman came to the center of political discussions as the daughter-in-law of late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. However, she never personally participated in politics directly. She has always been seen as a kind of silent political companion. Although her relationship with Tarique Rahman has linked her to a huge social and political force behind politics, she has never openly taken over the leadership of the party.

Case, Exile and Return: A Long Journey
In 2008, Dr. Zubaida Rahman was accused in a corruption case. In particular, she was accused of concealing information about her assets. For this reason, she stayed abroad for a long time, especially in the UK. In 2023, the court sentenced her to three years in prison, but the effectiveness of that verdict was suspended on appeal. From 2008 to 2025, she was in exile, and remained somewhat distant from the political situation in the country. However, in May 2025, she returned to the country after almost 17 years. Her return to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on May 6 became a historic moment and the incident created a huge stir on social media.

Prospects for entering politics: New hope
Dr. Zubaida Rahman's return to the country has instilled new hope in many. BNP leaders and activists believe that her return to the country could be a new beginning for the party. It is a politically powerful message for the party, which could bring about major changes in the country's political landscape. A senior party leader commented, "If she enters politics, BNP will get a new look. A personality like her can bring a message of purity to the country's politics." However, at the moment, Dr. Zubaida Rahman has not made any direct comments about politics, which indicates her future plans.

The path of women's leadership: prospects and decisions
Currently, women's political participation in Bangladesh is increasing, but there is still some deficiency in high-level leadership. Whether Dr. Zubaida Rahman will be able to fill that void depends on her own decisions. She is a well-trained, experienced and internationally respected person. Her political arrival could open a new horizon in Bangladesh's politics, especially when the need for new leadership is being felt among political parties.

However, his silence still raises a big question—does he want to be active in politics in the future, or will he just remain as a seasoned fellow traveler? Time will tell how he will make his decision and what role he will play in the political landscape of Bangladesh.

The way he has now returned to the country's politics suggests that his future path is still very much open and promising.