Dr Zubaida Rahman is set to meet her ailing mother today. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, May 6, 2025 (BSS) - Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, is scheduled to visit her ailing mother, Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu, today.

Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu, a recipient of the 'Swadhinata Padak' in 1995, has been undergoing treatment at a city hospital since May 2, according to BNP sources.

Zubaida had not been able to see her mother in person as she had been living abroad with her husband, Tarique Rahman, for the last 17 years.

She finally got the opportunity to return to her homeland, accompanying her mother-in-law, BNP Chairperson and three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

Zubaida Rahman returned to the country after 17 years aboard a special air ambulance equipped with modern medical facilities, along with her mother-in-law.

On September 11, 2008, Zubaida left the country with her husband. Following the political changeover during the one-eleven period, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed a case against Tarique Rahman, Zubaida Rahman, and Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu with Kafrul Police Station on September 26, 2008, on charges of acquiring assets beyond known sources of income.

A Dhaka court later sentenced Zubaida Rahman, in absentia, to three years of imprisonment and imposed a fine of Taka 3.5 million.

Atiqur Rahman Ruman, convener of Amra BNP Paribar, said Zubaida's mother fell ill on May 2 and she was admitted to a city hospital.

Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu, a prominent social worker and wife of former Bangladesh Navy chief Rear Admiral (Late) Mahbub Ali Khan, has long been suffering from various age-related complications.

She has been working for underprivileged children in the country through the Suravi Foundation. For her contributions, she was awarded the prestigious Swadhinata Padak in 1995.