Zaima Rahman Vows People-Centric Role in Rebuilding Bangladesh

Zaima Rahman

Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and granddaughter of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, has said she hopes to contribute to rebuilding Bangladesh by engaging directly with people and understanding the country through lived experiences.

She shared the thoughts in a personal Facebook post on Tuesday, reflecting on her family roots, upbringing and aspirations ahead of her return to Bangladesh.

Recalling childhood memories, Zaima described her grandmother Khaleda Zia—whom she affectionately called “Dadu”—as a deeply caring family figure who balanced national leadership with personal warmth and pride in her grandchildren.

She recounted a moment from her school years when she showed her football tournament medal to her grandmother, describing how attentively and proudly Khaleda Zia listened. Zaima said such moments shaped her early understanding of leadership, humility and the value of listening.

While Khaleda Zia was known to millions as a prime minister, Zaima wrote that to her and her cousins she was first a loving grandmother who always made time for family and celebrated even small achievements.

Reflecting on her 17 years away from Bangladesh, Zaima said living abroad had been transformative but never detached her from her roots. She noted that growing up between cultures gave her a global outlook while keeping Bangladesh at the centre of her identity.

Sharing her experience of studying and practising law, she said working closely with people helped instil empathy, integrity and a deeper awareness of those who feel unheard within the justice system.

Zaima also wrote about her late grandfather, President Ziaur Rahman, whom she never met but learned about through family stories highlighting his integrity and patriotism—values she said were upheld by her grandmother and father.

Referring to the mass uprising and developments after August 5, she said she largely remained in the background, offering support where possible and assisting her family in small but meaningful ways.

Expressing her hopes upon returning home, Zaima said she wants to stand beside her grandmother and support her father during the ongoing campaign period.

“I want to give back to my country in whatever way I can,” she wrote. “I want to see Bangladesh rebuilt and thriving, and to reconnect with my homeland by meeting people face to face, because that is the sincerest way to understand others.”

Acknowledging public interest surrounding her family, Zaima said she feels the weight of expectations but considers it part of her personal journey, adding that she hopes others may walk alongside her if her story resonates.

Zaima Rahman is scheduled to return to Bangladesh with her father Tarique Rahman on Thursday, December 25, marking the end of their 17-year stay abroad after leaving for London in September 2008.