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He is the son of BNP supremo and former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia.
Rahman returned to Bangladesh in December 2025 after more than 17 years in self-imposed exile in London. He led the BNP into national elections — marking a dramatic political comeback.
Rahman formally took charge of the BNP from his mother. Zia passed away just five days after Rahman's return, bringing to a close a defining chapter in Bangladeshi politics.
Years in London
Rahman left Bangladesh in 2008, citing political persecution. At the time, he was facing multiple corruption cases. Before departing, he submitted a handwritten declaration at the airport resigning as BNP's senior joint secretary general and announcing his retirement from active politics.
In 2007, Rahman was arrested during an anti-corruption drive by a military-backed caretaker government — charges he has consistently denied. In 2008, he was released on medical grounds and flew to London for treatment, alleging severe custodial torture.
He subsequently settled in Kingston, London, with his wife, Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima Rahman.
During Hasina's 15-year tenure in power, Rahman was convicted in several corruption and terror-related cases. He maintained the charges were politically motivated to keep him out of the country. Following Hasina's fall in 2024, Bangladeshi courts overturned the convictions, clearing the way for his return.
Political lineage and early career
Born on November 20, 1965, in Dhaka, Rahman hails from one of Bangladesh's most prominent political families.
His father, Ziaur Rahman, was a decorated military officer and later served as the President. His mother, Khaleda Zia, went on to become Prime Minister.
Rahman studied at BAF Shaheen College in Dhaka before enrolling at the University of Dhaka, initially in the Law Department during the 1985–86 academic year. He later switched to International Relations but did not complete his degree, instead entering the textile and shipping businesses.
He formally entered politics in 1988 as a primary member of the BNP's upazila branch in Gabtali, Bogra.
Rise within the BNP
Rahman was actively involved in campaign efforts during the landmark 1991 general election that marked Bangladesh's transition from military rule to an elected government. The BNP secured victory, bringing Khaleda Zia to power.
While Rahman did not contest elections in 1996 or 2001, he coordinated campaign efforts in constituencies where his mother was a candidate. After the BNP's landslide win in 2001, his influence within the party grew significantly, particularly during his mother's tenure in the early 2000s.
He held no formal government post.
On December 8, 2009, Rahman was elected Senior Vice Chairman of the BNP at its fifth National Council in Dhaka.
The road back
Following Hasina's ouster in August 2024, Rahman pledged to return to Bangladesh once the cases against him were withdrawn and voiced support for the interim government's reform agenda.
On June 13, 2025, he met Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus during the latter's visit to the United Kingdom. On December 25, Rahman returned to Bangladesh with his family, ending his long exile. Five days later, Khaleda Zia died after a prolonged illness.
On January 9, 2026, Rahman formally became chairman of the BNP.
On the campaign trail, Rahman has positioned himself as a proponent of economic revival, political stability and democratic restoration after 15 years of Hasina's rule from exile.
