Hours after returning home, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman went to Square Hospital in the capital to visit her ailing mother Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu.
Zubaida left the Gulshan residence of her mother-in-law and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia around 6:15pm and reached the hospital at around 6:40pm, creating an emotional reunion between mother and daughter, said BNP media cell member Atikur Rahman Rumon.
Zubaida’s mother was admitted to the hospital with various age-related complications on May 1.
Upon her arrival at the hospital amid tight security measures, Zubaida was welcomed with flowers by representatives of the Suravi Foundation, an organisation dedicated to working with underprivileged children.
Rumon said Zubaida went up to the hospital cabin via a special lift and embraced her mother in a heartfelt moment witnessed by close family members.
“After many years apart, Zubaida was emotionally reunited with her ailing mother,” he said.
Zubaida remained at the hospital by her mother’s side until the filing of this report at 8:30pm.
A BNP leader said that from the hospital, Zubaida would visit ‘Mahbub Bhaban’—the residence of her father, located on Road No 5 in Dhanmondi. She is expected to spend some time there before returning to her mother-in-law’s residence, Feroza, later at night.
Zubaida Rahman visits ailing mother at Square Hospital
Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu has long been suffering from various age-related complications. A few years ago, she was taken to a hospital in Bangkok for treatment.
She is the founder of the Suravi Foundation, which works for underprivileged children. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the Swadhinata Padak (Independence Award) by the government.
Earlier in the day, Zubaida along with Khaleda Zia returned home, ending her 17-year exile in London.
A special air ambulance, provided by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, carrying Khaleda, Zubaida, Syeda Shamila Rahman — the wife of Tarique’s late brother Arafat Rahman Koko — and other entourage members, landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:42am.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other senior party leaders welcomed them at the VIP lounge of the airport.
Tarique Rahman, Dr Zubaida and their daughter Zaima Rahman have been living in London since 2008.