Tarique Rahman

By Muhammad MubashirPublished On 16 Feb 2026

Tarique Rahman – Personal Profile

Tarique Rahman (also known as Tarique Zia) is a Bangladeshi politician and Prime Minister-designate of Bangladesh. He serves as the Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and became a Member of the Jatiya Sangsad in 2026. He previously served as Acting Chairman of BNP from February 2018 following the imprisonment of his mother until her death.

He is the eldest son of Ziaur Rahman, the 7th President of Bangladesh, and Khaleda Zia, the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

Early Life and Education

Tarique Rahman was born on 20 November 1965 in Dacca (now Dhaka), East Pakistan, present-day Bangladesh. His family originally hails from Bagbari, Gabtali, Bogura District.

He studied at:

• BAF Shaheen College, Dhaka
• St. Joseph Higher Secondary School
• Dhaka Residential Model College (Secondary)
• Adamjee Cantonment College (HSC)

He later enrolled at the University of Dhaka, first in the Department of Law and later in International Relations, but left during his second year to enter business in the textile and shipping sectors.

Early Political Career

Rahman began his political journey in 1988 as a primary member of the BNP’s local branch in Gabtali, Bogura.

He actively participated in:

• The 1991 national election campaign during Bangladesh’s transition from military rule.
• Organizational activities during the 1996 and 2001 national elections.

During the BNP-led government (2001–2006), he became one of the most influential figures within the party.

Exile to United Kingdom (2008–2025)

After the 2008 general election victory of the Awami League, Rahman went into self-imposed exile in London, United Kingdom, citing safety concerns and political persecution.

In December 2009, he was elected Senior Vice Chairman of BNP at the party’s 5th National Council. From London, he continued political coordination, including overseeing party nominations via virtual platforms.

In 2015, he registered a UK-based firm, White and Blue Consultants Limited. Controversy arose regarding his nationality listing, which was later amended to Bangladeshi.

Acting Chairman and Leadership

After Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment in 2018, Rahman became Acting Chairman of BNP.

In 2025:

• He met Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in London.
• Returned to Bangladesh on 25 December 2025.
• Became BNP Chairman on 9 January 2026.

Prime Minister–Designate (2026)

The BNP won a landslide victory in the 2026 general election. Rahman was elected to the Jatiya Sangsad for the first time and is slated to become the Prime Minister after finalization of results.

Cases and Controversies

Rahman has faced multiple legal cases, many of which BNP describes as politically motivated.

Major Cases Include:

• Hawa Bhaban Controversy – Allegations of operating a parallel power centre.
• Money Laundering Case (2007) – Initially convicted; later acquitted in 2024.
• Illegal Wealth Acquisition Case – Acquitted in 2025.
• Zia Charitable Trust Case – Acquitted in January 2025.
• 2004 Dhaka Grenade Attack Case – Initially sentenced to life imprisonment in 2018; acquitted by High Court in December 2024.
• 10-Truck Arms Haul Case – Investigated; several accused acquitted in 2024.
• Sedition Cases (2014–2017) – Later dismissed or acquitted by courts.

Following political changes in 2024–2025, courts cleared him of all major charges.

Personal Life

• Spouse: Zubaida Rahman (married 3 February 1994)
• Father-in-law: Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan (Former Chief of Naval Staff)
• Daughter: Zaima Rahman (Barrister)

Zubaida Rahman served as a government physician before her dismissal in 2014 during the Awami League government.

Tarique Rahman Info