Tarique Rahman urges no inconvenience to neighbors amid security for Zubaida’s return

After 17 years, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on Tuesday. She is expected to arrive in Dhaka from London alongside her mother-in-law and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. Upon arrival, she will reportedly reside at her father’s residence, the “Mahbub Bhaban,” located in Dhanmondi.

Ahead of her return, the house has been cleaned and fitted with CCTV cameras and other security measures. Due to perceived security threats, BNP Chairperson’s Private Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar sent a letter to the Inspector General of Police requesting deployment of police guards and installation of an archway at the house entrance.

However, Tarique Rahman has firmly instructed that these security arrangements must not cause inconvenience to neighbors.

Atikur Rahman Ruman, a BNP media cell member overseeing preparations at Mahbub Bhaban, told journalists that while the residence is already well-maintained, additional steps have been taken to ensure Dr. Zubaida’s safety. “We have installed CCTV cameras around the boundary walls. Apart from police personnel, members of the BNP Chairperson’s Security Force (CSF) will also be on duty,” he said.

The house is surrounded by a wall and features a garden in front and a guard room for security personnel. Ruman emphasized that they are mindful of the surroundings. “On three sides of the house, there are neighboring homes and apartments. Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has instructed us to ensure that no security measures disturb the neighbors. For example, a veranda of a neighboring building closely faces our back wall. The residents have never caused any trouble in 17 years, and we shouldn’t create any discomfort for them now,” he said.

Dedicated vehicles have been arranged for Zubaida Rahman and her security team, Ruman confirmed.

Regarding the letter to the police chief dated May 30, Ruman said law enforcement and intelligence officials have already visited the residence and assessed the necessary security protocols.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman is the daughter of former Navy Chief Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan. The Dhanmondi residence known as “Mahbub Bhaban” is currently home to her mother, Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu, and her elder sister Shahina Zaman's family. Iqbal Mand Banu has recently been hospitalized in Dhaka.

Zubaida, alongside her husband Tarique, faced political persecution during the 1/11 caretaker government and later under the Awami League government. On September 26, 2008, the Anti-Corruption Commission filed a case against the couple and Zubaida’s mother under charges of amassing illegal wealth. In that case, a Dhaka court sentenced Zubaida to three years in prison and fined her Tk 3.5 million. However, the sentence was stayed following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in the public uprising on August 5 last year.