Staff Correspondent

In a significant political development, Barrister Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, is set to represent her father at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, sparking various speculations about her potential political journey in Bangladesh.

Zaima’s participation in this high-profile global event is being closely observed by political circles and analysts, as it will be her first involvement in an official political programme on behalf of BNP.

Political analysts believe that Zaima’s involvement in this prestigious international event marks a significant moment for BNP, as the party looks to renew itself and make strategic moves ahead of the next national election.

They also view February 5, 2025, as potentially the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladesh’s political history, with Barrister Zaima Rahman set to play a key role in BNP’s future politics.

The National Prayer Breakfast is a significant event attended by prominent international leaders, which will place Zaima in direct contact with global figures and provide an international platform to represent both Bangladesh and the BNP.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury arrived in the USA on Sunday to attend the event. The trio will participate in the event, which is set to take place on Wednesday and Thursday.

Speaking to UNB before leaving the flight, Fakhrul said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has also been invited to this event. “As he is unable to attend, his daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman will represent him.”

Fakhrul said Zaima will travel to Washington from London to join the programme.

He said they are likely to hold discussions with leaders from various countries, including the US, on the sidelines of the event.

On January 11, the National Prayer Breakfast Committee extended invitations to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, and Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury to participate in the event.

BNP sources said Tarique Rahman is not attending the event as he is staying in the UK to take care of his mother, BNP chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who is currently receiving medical treatment there.

As news of Zaima’s participation in the event spreads, many BNP leaders and workers have taken to social media to express their excitement and extend their best wishes to her. This move has sparked speculation about Zaima’s potential entry into active politics.

Political analysts suggest that, given her background in a prominent political family—being the granddaughter of Ziaur Rahman, the founder of BNP, the current chairperson Khaleda Zia, and the daughter of Tarique Rahman—her eventual entry into politics seems inevitable.

Much like political dynasties such as India’s Gandhi family, which has seen multiple generations take on leadership roles, many believe that Zaima will follow suit and continue her family’s political legacy.

Although she has been living and studying in the UK, Zaima has thus far maintained a low profile in terms of direct political involvement.

Educated in law, Zaima has previously refrained from engaging in active politics, despite being part of a family deeply entrenched in the political landscape of Bangladesh.

However, her role as a representative of the BNP at this international event is seen as her first step into the political spotlight.

Sources within BNP said this could signal her eventual role in the party’s leadership, especially as the party wants to involve younger, dynamic figures to carry its political vision forward.

Political analyst Mohiuddin Khan Mohan said it seems certain that Zaima will eventually enter politics, given her political family background. “Whether it happens today or tomorrow, her involvement in politics is important, especially for future generations.”
He drew a parallel with India’s Gandhi family, where multiple generations—such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi—have all been involved in politics.

“Similarly, in Bangladesh, figures from the Zia family, such as Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia, and Tarique Rahman, have been prominent in politics. So, it is natural for Zaima to enter politics as well. If she participates in the 'National Prayer Breakfast' event instead of Tarique Rahman, she will represent Bangladesh and engage with globally recognised figures, which could be seen as a positive development.”

BNP Executive Committee member Abu Naser Mohammad Rahmatullah said it would be a positive development if Zaima steps into politics.

“It’s natural for a member of a political family to enter politics. Those who came from the Zia family in the past were warmly welcomed by the people of the country, and those who will come in the future will also be embraced overwhelmingly. Zaima will not be an exception in this regard.”

He believes that, as a young figure, Zaima can play an important role in strengthening the party and attracting the younger generation to its politics.

Another BNP leader, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Zaima is a young and significant figure for the new generation in politics. “Her participation in political programmes could be a strategy by the Zia family to introduce a ‘political heir’.”

He said the growing anticipation surrounding Zaima’s involvement has sparked discussions about her future political journey as it could be a deliberate move by Tarique and Khaleda Zia to bring in fresh leadership to the party from their family.

Following the student-led mass uprising which led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s prolonged authoritarian regime, the BNP leader said the younger generation is expected to play a vital role in the upcoming election.

On the other hand, he said student leaders who led the anti-discrimination movement are planning to form a new political party. “In such a situation, Zaima can play a crucial role in strengthening BNP’s appeal among the younger generation. She may even join the next national election.”

Another BNP leader said Khaleda Zia introduced Tarique to politics at a very young age to prepare him to take the helm of the party in her absence. “Tarique Rahman also stepped into 60 on November 20 last year. Therefore, it would be a wise move for him to bring Zaima into politics and prepare her to lead the party in the future.”

He said sending Zaima to a global event to represent Tarique is a clear signal regarding her potential political future. “I believe Zaima would continue to support her father in his political endeavours, just as Tarique supported his mother in the past. However, whether she will fully step into the political arena remains uncertain.”

Zaima was frequently seen with her grandmother at various events during Khaleda’s tenure as Prime Minister. After Tarique was arrested during the political changeover in 2007 and later released on bail in 2008, the family moved to London, where they have remained since.

Zaima obtained a law degree from Queen Mary University of London and later received her Bar-at-Law certification from Lincoln's Inn in 2019.

She grew up with her grandmother Khaleda Zia at their residence in Dhaka Cantonment. Zaima attended the International School Dhaka (ISD) for her education during her stay in Dhaka.

In 2009, on her 14th birthday, BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia celebrated with a cake at her office, shortly after Zaima moved abroad.