Zaima Rahman takes ‘strategic’ reins of BNP campaign, hints at future leadership role

Speculation has grown over Zaima Zarnaz Rahman’s entry into politics following her return to Bangladesh with her father, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman.

After spending many of her formative years abroad, Zaima returned to the country with her family after more than a decade and a half, seeking first to engage with society before a formal political debut.

She has been attending discussion events and informal gatherings, signalling a cautious effort to listen and build connections.

“I want to listen, understand and learn from your company,” Zaima said at one such event.

Before returning to Dhaka, she had spoken at a virtual meeting of expatriate BNP leaders and activists, described by the party as her first address in a political forum.

Staying out of public eye for years, the 30-year-old barrister came into the spotlight early last year when she represented her father at the US National Prayer Breakfast.

After arriving in Bangladesh, she lost her grandmother, the former prime minister Khaleda Zia. Her presence at the final rites drew attention.

Senior BNP leaders told bdnews24.com that Zaima has already become involved in election campaigning and has started visiting the party’s central election coordination office in Gulshan.

There is still no clarity on when or whether the granddaughter of the late president Ziaur Rahman will make a debut in frontline politics.

People close to the family say Zaima is playing a “strategic role” aimed at mobilising women and young voters, adding that she is likely to become more visible in the coming days.

A member of the BNP National Standing Committee said she may be seen campaigning in support of Tarique in the two constituencies he is contesting in: Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6, though no decision has yet been taken on when she will travel to Bogura.

On Saturday, Zaima attended an event in Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park in Gulshan, where Tarique met the winners of a reel-making competition.

At the event, she spoke about the need for global digital platforms, including Facebook, to open local offices in Bangladesh.

Asked about her role, BNP Media Cell Convenor Maudud Alamgir Pavel told bdnews24.com: “She is already involved in election activities. [She] is working with the campaign team, particularly on issues concerning women, children and young people.”

He added that her work focuses on how women’s issues can be addressed more effectively and how young people can be engaged in building the future of the state.

FOCUS ON YOUTH AND INCLUSION

Zaima’s verified Instagram profile describes her as a “Barrister-at-Law”, “Communications Strategist”, and someone “advocating for inclusive dialogue”.

On Jan 18, she spoke publicly for the first time after returning to Bangladesh at an event titled, "Women in Nation-Building: Policy, Potential and Bangladesh’s Future", where she said empowering women plays a decisive role in shaping the country’s future.

A party observer said she is prioritising engagement with young people in shaping the state’s future and channelling their support towards the BNP

She visited a photography exhibition at Drik Gallery, interacting with young artists and students.

On Feb 1, Zaima joined the anniversary event of Surovi, an organisation working with underprivileged children founded by her grandmother Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu.

The following day, she met students at Mohakhali DOHS to hear their ideas on nation-building.

They discussed issues such as inclusive governance, part-time work opportunities for students, traffic congestion, cyberbullying, and utility services.

“Our objective is a diverse Bangladesh, freedom of speech, food for all, and an inclusive society,” Zaima said at the event.

“If our goals align and people want to work with us from different spaces, we will certainly provide them with the opportunities.”

BNP National Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, who has attended several events with her, described Zaima as “very bright” and confirmed that she is already involved in election campaigning.

FROM LONDON TO DHAKA

Zaima is the only child of Tarique and Zubaida Rahman.

During the 2001 election, she accompanied her grandmother, then-BNP chairperson Khaleda to a polling station as a child, an image that drew public attention at the time.

She left Bangladesh with her parents for London in Sept 2008 following her father’s release from jail on bail during the military-installed caretaker government.

She completed her education in the UK, earning her LLB politics and law degree from Queen Mary University of London and later qualifying as a barrister from Inner Temple.

Zaima returned to Bangladesh with her parents on Dec 25, five days before her grandmother died.

POLITICAL LEGACY

Political analysts see Zaima’s participation in election activities as a repetition of history, comparing it with her father’s debut in politics.

BNP media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan noted that in 1991, Tarique had travelled with his mother during her election campaign.

Maudud said it is natural for Zaima, as a member of one of the country’s most prominent political families, to remain connected to politics, though it is not yet clear whether she will directly campaign at rallies.

Political analyst Maruf Mallik said her presence in campaigning could benefit the BNP, particularly in appealing to Gen-Z voters.

“As an educated, polished figure, Zaima’s presence on the campaign trail is expected to help pull younger voters towards the BNP,” he said.

In a BBC interview in November, Tarique said his wife Zubaida or daughter Zaima assuming leadership roles in BNP would depend on “time and circumstances”.