Zaima Zarnaz Rahman is gradually stepping into public life in Bangladesh after spending nearly two decades in the United Kingdom. Trained as a barrister in the UK, she is now being seen as a new and youthful face of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), a party deeply linked with her family’s political legacy.
Family Legacy and Early Life
Zaima was born on 26 October 1995 in Dhaka. She is the only daughter of Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the BNP, and Dr Zubaida Rahman. She is also the granddaughter of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
This background places her in one of Bangladesh’s most influential political families, often referred to as the Zia family.
Zaima spent her early childhood in Dhaka and studied at the International School Dhaka. As a child, she was occasionally seen alongside Khaleda Zia during the 2001 general elections, which brought early media attention.
Move to the UK and Legal Career
In 2008, during a turbulent political period in Bangladesh, Zaima moved to London with her family. She has lived in the UK for around 17 years.
She studied law at Queen Mary University of London, earning her law degree. She later completed the Bar Professional Training Course and was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 2019.
As a barrister, Zaima practised in the UK, mainly focusing on civil law and advocacy. For many years, she stayed away from politics and maintained a low public profile, concentrating on her professional legal career.
Entry into Public Spotlight
Zaima first came into national focus in 2021, when derogatory remarks were made about her by an Awami League minister. The issue led to public outrage, legal action, and eventually the minister’s resignation. This incident made her a recognisable name in Bangladeshi public discourse, even though she was still living abroad.
Growing Role in BNP Politics
After the political changes of 2024, which saw the fall of the Awami League government, Zaima began taking a more visible role in BNP-related activities. She represented her father at international platforms, including the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., and attended party meetings on his behalf.
On 25 December 2025, Zaima returned to Bangladesh with her parents after 17 years in exile. Her arrival in Dhaka was marked by large public gatherings and widespread media coverage.
Since returning, she has:
- Registered herself as a voter
- Visited public institutions such as Dhaka University
- Met ordinary citizens and students
- Expressed a desire to contribute to rebuilding Bangladesh
A New, Youthful Image for BNP
Political observers believe Zaima Zarnaz Rahman could help the BNP connect better with young voters. With her UK education, legal background, and calm public presence, she represents a contrast to traditional politics often dominated by older leadership.
While she has not formally announced electoral ambitions, her actions suggest a slow but deliberate entry into political life ahead of the February 2026 elections.
From Courtrooms to National Politics
Zaima’s journey reflects a shift from UK courtrooms to Dhaka’s political landscape. Whether she becomes a long-term political leader or plays a supporting role within the BNP, her presence signals a generational change within the party.
For many in Bangladesh, she symbolises continuity of a political legacy combined with modern education, global exposure, and a softer public image—qualities that may shape the BNP’s future direction
You Might Also Like:
Al-Tilmeez: A Pioneering Arabic Literary Journal from Jammu and Kashmir
Professor Mufti Abdul Ghani Azhari: Scholar, Sufi, Historian, and Social Reformer of Kashmir