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Tarique Rahman
Bangladeshi politician From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Tarique Rahman[a] (born 20 November 1965), better known natively as Tarique Zia,[b] is a Bangladeshi politician who has been the acting chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) since February 2018.[3][4] He is the eldest son of former Bangladeshi president Ziaur Rahman and the first female prime minister of Bangladesh, Khaleda Zia. He is also the publisher of the Daily Dinkal.[5]
Tarique got involved in politics from a young age and rose to prominence in the BNP during his mother's tenure as prime minister in the early 2000s.[6] After the Awami League's landslide victory in the 2008 general election,[7] he went into self-imposed exile in London, citing concerns for his safety and claiming that he was being persecuted by the authorities.[8][9]
He was convicted by the courts during the Sheikh Hasina government on multiple charges including corruption, bribery, money laundering, illegal acquisition of wealth, and grenade attacks.[10][11] A total of 84 cases were filed against him after 2007.[12] His party BNP claims that these are politically motivated false charges. Later in 2024, after the fall of the Awami League government, the court acquitted him of all charges and his sentence was quashed.[13][14] Currently, no cases are pending against Tarique Rahman.[12]
Tarique is often described as the de facto leader of the opposition in Bangladesh.[15][16]
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Early life and education
Tarique was born on 20 November 1965 in Dacca, East Pakistan, modern-day Dhaka, Bangladesh.[17][18] He belonged to a notable Bengali Muslim political family of Mandals hailing from Bagbari in Gabtali, Bogra. His father, Ziaur Rahman, was a Pakistan military officer, who would later become a Bir Uttom receiptant and the President of Bangladesh, and his mother, Khaleda Zia, was a homemaker, who would later become the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
In his early childhood, he studied at BAF Shaheen School[18] and St. Joseph Higher Secondary School.[19][20] He completed his SSC from Dhaka Residential Model College.[18] He then earned his HSC from Adamjee Cantonment College.[21] In 1984–85, he was admitted to the University of Dhaka first in the Department of Law and later in the Department of International Relations.[21]
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Early political career
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Rahman started his political career as a primary member of the upazila branch of the BNP Gabtali, Bogra (currently spelled Bogura) in 1988.[22] During that period, he proactively organized the party units of Bogura and changed the inherent cultures to make politics more production and development oriented.[23]
Rahman was a member of the BNP's National Campaign Strategy Committee and was also responsible for coordinating the national election campaigns in five constituencies in which his mother Khaleda Zia was running.[23] Rahman actively assembled support for the party during 1991 national election, when the transition was taking place from military government to the elected government.
After the BNP's success in 1991 election and the formation of the new government, Tarique was offered a senior role in the party as recognition of his contributions. However, he was reluctant to take up a higher position, preferring to have enough time to strengthen the party at the grassroots level. For many years, he remained active in developing the Bogura units of the BNP. During 1996 national election[which?], the party grassroots and the senior leadership requested Rahman to contest a constituency from Bogura, but he declined the offer with a view to furthering his work at the grassroots levels and coordinating the election campaigns for his mother.[24]
During the rule of the Awami League from 1996 to 2001, Tarique mobilized movements against the actions of the government. He actively campaigned to address issues of economic deprivation and started championing a countrywide consultation program aimed at publicizing the plight of the people living in rural areas. In 2001 national election, the BNP won a landslide victory with a two-thirds majority.[25]
During the BNP's tenure between 2001 and 2006, 2004 Dhaka grenade attack occurred, which targeted a public rally organized by the then-opposition party Awami League. The attack targeted the entire top leadership of the Awami League, including the leader of the opposition Sheikh Hasina, and killed 24 Awami league leaders and workers including Ivy Rahman, the president of Mohila Awami League and the wife of former Bangladeshi president Zillur Rahman. The attack also injured hundreds of Awami League members. Tarique was the prime suspect in the incident, for which he was sentenced to life imprisonment by Bangladesh Court.[26][27] In 2024, Tarique was acquitted after the whole trial's proceedings were judged to be "illegal".[28]
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Exile to London (2008–present)
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Following the release of Tarique's mother Khaleda on 11 September 2008, he flew to London for medical treatment at Wellington hospital, an independent private hospital in St. John's Wood. The 1/11 caretaker government, backed by the army, confirmed that Tarique had given a written promise to not indulge in any future politics and was thus allowed to go abroad.[29]
Senior Vice Chairman of the BNP
On 8 December 2009, Tarique was elected as the Senior Vice Chairman of the BNP at its 5th National Council held in Dhaka.[30][31] A recorded speech by him was broadcast to the public at the council. In the speech, he described his arrest and torture during his detention by the 1/11 government that came to power in January 2007. He claimed that a "conspiracy" was hatched to kill him through torture under the "guise of a judicial system". Tarique described his physical condition and said that he needed more time to complete his treatment.[32]
Khaleda said her son would take part in active politics upon his return from abroad after completing treatment. She addressed a few public meetings on her way to Bogura and alleged that the then-present government was trying to harass her son so that he could not return to the country. She said:
Tareque worked for the development of the country, but a lot of cases were filed only to destroy him as a part of national as well as international conspiracies... On March 7, 2007, he was picked up in a car right in front of me. But after the custody my son had to be sent abroad in a stretcher for treatment... Doctors have said his recovery will take more time...[33]
On 4 January 2014, in a video message posted on YouTube,[34] Tarique called for a boycott of the next day's national election in Bangladesh.[35]
In 2015, Tarique registered a private firm by the name of White and Blue Consultants Limited, which is a PR and communications firm. The documentation of incorporation filed with the UK Companies House shows that Tarique listed his nationality as British. However, in 2016, he amended the paperwork and listed his nationality as Bangladeshi.[36] However, this error has been used by many as evidence to support claims of state officials including Md. Shahriar Alam that he acquired British citizenship.[37][38] Tarique Rahman denied this claim and served a legal notice to Md. Shahriar Alam demanding an apology for his remarks about him allegedly having British citizenship.[37]
Acting leader of the BNP (2018–present)
In November 2018, Rahman conducted the interview process through Skype for the nomination seekers of BNP at the 2018 National election.[39][40]
After the fall of Sheikh Hasina, Tarique pledged to return to Bangladesh after the cases against him were lifted.[41] He also pledged to support the reform process of the interim government.[42]
On 13 June 2025, a private meeting was held between Tarique and the chief adviser of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, who was is a visit to the United Kingdom.[43][44] After the meeting, the representatives of both sides issued a joint statement.[45] The meeting was cited as a "turning point" by the BNP sources.[46][47]
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Cases and controversies
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Hawa Bhaban controversy
The bribery and money laundering issue through Hawa Bhaban is known as a significant and controversial scandal in Bangladesh.[48][49] Tarique Rahman and several top BNP leaders are at the center of these allegations.[50] There are allegations that Tarique Rahman and his associates accepted bribes from various businessmen and political rivals through Hawa Bhaban and laundered the money abroad.[48][51][52] Based on these allegations, the Anti-Corruption Commission of Bangladesh (ACC) began an investigation in 2007, and he was also investigated by the FBI in the United States and the courts in Singapore.[53]
In 2007, the Bangladeshi government launched an investigation against Tarique Rahman on charges of bribery and money laundering.[54] This led to evidence of various business dealings and international money laundering against him.[53][51]
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Singaporean courts also found evidence of money laundering against him.[55][56] The investigation led to allegations that he laundered about $20 million abroad.[53][57]
In 2010, a case was filed in Bangladesh on charges of money laundering and bribery. The charges include accepting bribes from various businessmen through Hawa Bhaban and laundering that money abroad.[58]
On 20 March 2025, the court acquitted him in this case.[59][60]
Money laundering case
On 7 June 2007, a money laundering case was submitted against Rahman and his friend and business partner Giasuddin Al Mamun by the Bangladesh Anti Corruption Commission at a court in Dhaka.[61][62] In a verdict given on 18 November 2013 by the court, Rahman was acquitted in the case involving BDT 20.41 crore. Bangladesh Anti Corruption Commission member Mohammed Shahabuddin rejected the verdict, saying: "Tarique and Mamun had equal footing in the crime. So, legally there was no scope to differentiate."[63]
BNP officials and leaders have claimed that this judgement is proof of his innocence, that he had no involvement with corruption, and that all the cases against Rahman were "politically motivated".[63]
On 21 July 2016, Rahman was found guilty by the Bangladesh High Court, overturning a lower court verdict that acquitted him earlier. He was sentenced to seven years of imprisonment and fined Tk 20 crore by the Court.[64][65][66] After delivering the controversial not-guilty verdict, the lower court judge fled the country.[67]
On 5 December 2024, he and his friend Giasuddin Al Mamun were acquitted by the high court of Bangladesh.[68][69]
Illegal wealth acquisition
The ACC filed the case against Tarique Rahman, his wife Zubaida Rahman, and Zubaida Rahman's mother Syeda Iqbal Banu in 2007 during the military-backed caretaker government on allegations that Tarique Rahman and his wife had illegal assets worth more than 48 million taka beyond their declared income.[70]
On 31 March 2009, the investigating officer filed a chargesheet against the three in court. However, the trial against Zubaida's mother Syeda Iqbal Banu was later dismissed. The court recorded the statements of 42 witnesses for the prosecution, including the complainant in the case.[71][72]
A Dhaka court sentenced Tarique Rahman to nine years in prison and a fine of Tk 30 million, and his wife Zubaida Rahman to three years in prison and a fine of Tk 3.5 million.[73] At the same time, the court ordered the confiscation of Tarique's illegal assets worth about Tk 3.5 million in favor of the state.[74]
In October 2024, the interim government of Muhammad Yunus suspended the sentence of Tarique Rahman's wife Zubaida Rahman for one year in a case filed on charges of acquiring wealth outside known sources of income, on the condition of surrender and appeal. On 28 May 2025, Tarique Rahman and his wife Zubaida Rahman were acquitted of all charges after being found innocent in the case.[75]
The Zia Charitable Trust corruption controversy
The Zia Charitable Trust corruption case is a much-discussed and controversial case filed against former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Khaleda Zia and her son Tarique Rahman, among others.[76] The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the case in 2008.[77] It was alleged that a foreign grant of about Tk 2.1 crore was given to the Zia Orphanage Trust in 2004, but it was used for personal purposes instead of being spent on the trust's work.[76][78] This led to allegations of misuse of state resources.
The case named former Prime Ministers Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman, accusing them of personally embezzling foreign grant money.[79] Although Khaleda Zia was directly accused in the case, Tarique Rahman's name was discussed in the case due to the political situation at the time and his political position.[80]
The trial of the case began in 2011. Following the investigation and judicial proceedings, on 8 February 2018, a special court in Dhaka sentenced Khaleda Zia to 5 years in prison and Tarique Rahman and the other accused to 10 years in prison.[81][82] The High Court later doubled her jail term in that case.[83][84] Since Tarique Rahman was in self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom, he did not appear in court and the verdict was delivered in his absence. The verdict caused a stir in Bangladeshi politics immediately after the announcement, and its impact was long-lasting.
Khaleda Zia appealed to the High Court to suspend her sentence and was released on bail for some time.[85] Tarique Rahman, although in exile in the UK, was issued an international arrest warrant. The case is politically significant and its impact is particularly visible in the political arena of Bangladesh.
The case has been the subject of much controversy both at home and abroad.[86][87] The BNP and its supporters have claimed that the case is politically motivated, while the Awami League has called it an important legal step.[88][89] The verdict in the case has been the subject of disagreement among various political analysts and legal experts.
On 15 January 2025, Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman, along with all the accused, were acquitted in the Zia Orphanage Trust case.[90][91]
2004 Dhaka grenade attack case
On 10 October 2018, Rahman was sentenced to life in prison for the case of the 2004 Dhaka grenade attack.[92][93] He was accused of being the mastermind of the attack by Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader; however, the accusation was denied by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.[94]
On 22 November 2024, the High Court concluded a hearing on the appeals and death references of the grenade attack cases.[95][96] On 1 December 2024, Tarique, Lutfozzaman Babar, and 47 others were acquitted by the court.[97][98][99]
10-Truck Arms and Ammunition Haul
The 10-Truck Arms Case is a major and controversial case in Bangladesh, which began on 28 April 2004, when a large quantity of arms and ammunition was seized in 10 trucks in Chittagong.[100][101] Tarique Rahman was allegedly involved in the case.[102] He was accused of being involved in the arms and it was claimed that the arms were collected for use in gunfights during the BNP government.[103][104] It was alleged that the arms were intended to be smuggled to banned armed groups in India. Tarique Rahman and other BNP leaders were investigated for their involvement in the case.[105] It was alleged that Tarique Rahman was involved in the arms smuggling scheme.[106][107][108]
The BNP filed a complaint, considering the case to be politically motivated.[109][110] They claimed that the case was part of political vendetta and Tarique Rahman was deliberately targeted.[109][111] On the other hand, the ruling party presented the case as a strong step against political crimes.
On 18 December 2024, the High Court acquitted four people in the case, including former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfuzzaman Babar and former Director General of NSI, retired Major General Rezzakul Haider Chowdhury.[112]
Sedition case
In 2015, a case against Rahman was filed by an Awami League official over remarks he made at a speech in London in 2014 about Bangladesh's founding leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was also the founder of the Awami League. The official alleged that these remarks were seditious. He was acquitted of the charges in 2024.[113]
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Personal life
Rahman currently lives in suburban London.[35] He married Zubaida Rahman on 3 February 1994,[114][115] a physician and the youngest daughter of Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan, former Chief of Naval Staff of Bangladesh Navy[116][117] and the first cousin of Irene Khan, currently serving as the United Nations Special Rapporteur for freedom of expression and opinion.[118] Zubaida became a government physician in 1995 after passing the Bangladesh Civil Service exam and fired by the Awami League government in September 2014 for being absent from work for six years.[116] Their only daughter, Zaima Rahman, is a barrister.[119]
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References
External links
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