United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, on Thursday stressed the need to put professional midwives at the centre of primary healthcare to help end preventable maternal and newborn deaths. She made the remarks while delivering the concluding remarks at a high-level side event titled “From Commitment to Action: Integrating Midwifery into Primary Health Care to End Preventable Maternal and Newborn Deaths” at the UN Headquarters here. Zubaida said professional midwives save lives and stressed the need to build health systems that enable them to work effectively, equitably and sustainably. “For Bangladesh, this discussion comes at an important moment. We are redesigning our Primary Health Care (PHC) system around a simple principle: prevention is better than cure,” she said. Zubaida said Bangladesh’s vision of a “Healthy Bangladesh” is to move from a treatment-centred system to one that emphasises prevention, early identification and continuity of care, with services closer to people’s homes. “This reflects a long-standing commitment to putting people at the centre of development,” she said, referring to the emphasis placed by late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on reaching ordinary people, strengthening communities and expanding access to essential services. Zubaida said Bangladesh is seeking to carry that people-centred spirit forward through a modern health system built around prevention, dignity and access. “Women and children are at the centre of this transformation,” she said, adding that Bangladesh is working towards an integrated PHC network extending to rural unions and urban wards, supported by a stronger frontline workforce and digital health. She said recruitment of 25,000 professional midwives has already begun. “Our objective is not simply to increase their numbers. We want to integrate them into multidisciplinary PHC teams and provide continuity of care from preconception and pregnancy through childbirth, postnatal and newborn care,” she said. Zubaida said the PHC model discussed at the event places midwives at the centre of the maternal health journey and seeks to move the health system from fragmented services to an integrated and accountable platform. “This platform will connect households and communities with primary facilities and, when necessary, with secondary, tertiary and specialised care through a functioning referral system,” she said. She said midwife-led PHC could advance three priorities for Bangladesh — better access, stronger financial protection and better value in healthcare. “It can bring essential care closer to women, reduce unnecessary interventions and out-of-pocket expenditure, and ensure respectful care at the right place and at the right time,” Zubaida said She called for ensuring that every woman has access to a skilled professional midwife as part of her PHC team, close to where she lives. Zubaida said the experiences shared at the event showed the value of countries learning from one another while developing solutions suited to their own health systems. “Bangladesh looks forward to continuing this exchange and working with governments, UN agencies, development partners and the global health community to turn today’s dialogue into practical action,” she said. Zubaida thanked the health ministers, distinguished delegates, UN agencies, development partners, professional organisations, civil society and the global health community for joining the dialogue. The event was held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, with participation from health ministers and senior representatives of Sierra Leone, Nepal, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and other countries.Z Zubaida concluded the event by thanking all participants and wishing them a pleasant afternoon.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman, renowned cardiologist and Vice President of Ziaur Rahman Foundation, is scheduled to visit the University of Dhaka (DU) on Wednesday. Ziaur Rahman Foundation issued a press release in this regard on Tuesday. The foundation is set to organise a month-long tree plantation programme and ‘Search for Future Scientists Science Fair 2026’, marking the 45th death anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman. Zubaida Rahman has consented to inaugurate the programmes as the chief guest at 11 am on Wednesday at the Central Gallery of the Department of Botany, Curzon Hall, University of Dhaka, it said. DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam will attend the event as a special guest while ZRF Acting Executive Director Professor Dr Morshed Hasan Khan will preside over the programme.

Renowned cardiologist and Vice President of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation Dr Zubaida Rahman on Thursday inaugurated the ‘Shishu Shorgo Model’ – integrated care and support for children with disabilities – at Korail Slum in the capital. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare arranged the event at the slum ground (Ershad Ground) in the afternoon. Before inaugurating the ‘Shishu Shorgo Model’ aimed at ensuring healthcare and rehabilitation services for children with disabilities, Zubaida Rahman visited various stalls displaying educational materials and essential products for children with special needs. This is the first national initiative in Bangladesh to provide integrated healthcare services for children with disabilities, with plans to expand it nationwide in phases. State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit attended the event as the keynote speaker. Special guests included State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam, State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin Putul, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Health Dr SM Ziauddin Hyder, and Executive Director of Ziaur Rahman Foundation Prof Dr Farhad Halim Donar. Health and Family Welfare Secretary Md Quamruzzaman Chowdhury presided over the programme, while Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services Prof Dr Pravath Chandra Biswas attended as co-chair. As part of the healthcare and rehabilitation activities for persons with disabilities, a seminar on the ‘Shishu Shorgo Model’ was also held. Among the distinguished guests at the seminar were UNICEF acting Representative in Bangladesh Stanley Gwavuya, RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md Riazul Islam (Riju), Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Md Safiqul Islam Khan, and Prime Minister’s Assistant Personal Physician Dr ANM Monowarul Kadir (Bitu), among others. The ‘Shishu Shorgo Model’ initiative aims to identify children with disabilities across the country and ensure integrated healthcare services, support and social inclusion for them. The programme formally begins its journey through integrated service delivery for children with disabilities living in the Korail Slum.

Zubaida Rahman, wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and their daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman on Thursday took iftar with orphan students at a women’s madrasah in the capital on the first day of Ramadan. They joined the iftar at Jamia Qurbaniya Talimia Dawra Hadis Mohila Madrasah and Orphanage in West Bhashantek under Dhaka-17 seat, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Before the iftar, Zubaida and Zaima spoke with the orphan students and enquired about their well-being. Tarique Rahman is the MP from Dhaka-17 constituency. Free education for girls up to honours if BNP wins: Zubaida Rahman  

Stating that the country’s development is incomplete without women’s empowerment, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman on Sunday promised that free education for girls will be extended up to the honours level if the BNP is voted to power. “Women make up 51% of Bangladesh’s population, so their participation is essential in nation-building,” she said while speaking at a meeting with women representatives from Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara societies at Gulshan Lake Park. At this critical juncture, Dr Zubaida urged all to contribute from their respective positions to ensure education, healthcare and employment opportunities for the women of Bangladesh. “The country’s development is incomplete without empowering women,” she said. Dr Zubaida, a noted cardiologist, also highlighted the plight of mothers who lose their lives during childbirth due to inadequate medical care. “We plan to ensure that every upazila health complex provides safe childbirth facilities and comprehensive maternal and child healthcare services.” She also spoke about girls at risk of child marriage. “We will extend free education up to the honours level to ensure no girl has to worry that her dreams will be shattered,” she added, pledging to promote and protect girls’ education across the country. Dr Zubaida also said if BNP comes to power, a women’s support cell will be established to provide financial and other assistance. BNP to build equitable, knowledge-based society, hopes Zubaida She also pledged to ensure six months of maternity leave for working women with full pay and the proper implementation of parental support laws to ensure elderly parents are cared for. The BNP chief’s wife encouraged residents of Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara to work together to resolve local issues and said the BNP will ensure inclusive development in the area. Arafat Rahman Koko’s wife, Syeda Shameela Rahman, and Tarique Rahman’s daughter, Zaima Rahman, were also present at the meeting.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman on Wednesday said she hopes to build an equitable, knowledge-based Bangladesh that upholds the dignity of labour after listening to the problems faced by the residents of Karail, Bhashantek and Sattala areas. “You have taken your valuable time to come here, listened to us and shared your problems with us. As far as we can, we will listen more, learn more and try to understand one another so that we can find proper ways to solve these problems and present a beautiful, equitable and knowledge-based country that values labour,” she said. Dr Zubaida, also an eminent cardiologist, made the remarks at a views-exchange meeting held at the open gallery of the Hatirjheel Amphitheatre in the afternoon. The programme was organised by the professionals’ wing of the Dhaka-17 constituency election steering committee. After hearing the grievances of people from the three areas, she said proper planning and sincere efforts are needed to resolve these problems and pave the way for an equitable state that respects labour and is free from exploitation. Zubaida said BNP believes in planned politics and development. “This is the time for a new sunrise of pride. We believe in ‘we’ before ‘me’, ‘country’ before ‘us’, ‘people’ before power, and above all Bangladesh.” Tarique Rahman’s wife also said BNP believes in equality, not division, and in equal opportunities for all, along with dignity of labour. “We want recognition of merit, merit-based jobs and rights, justice, and rights before any form of exploitation. We want to present such a society and such a state to the people where the people come before leaders,” she said.

Renowned cardiologist and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman on Monday inaugurated a free heart health camp at Korail slum in the capital’s Mohakhali area. The free heart camp and medicine distribution programme was organised by the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB), a pro-BNP doctors’ body, marking the birth anniversary of late President Ziaur Rahman. The programme was held at the Ansar Camp ground in the Korail slum area in the afternoon. Local residents availed themselves of free medical check-ups and medicines from the camp. Read More: Zubaida, Zaima reach Gulshan residence Specialist doctors examined patients and provided necessary treatment and medical advice. Dr Zubaida Rahman talked to several patients during the programme, listened to their health issues, gave advice on heart care and general health, especially for underprivileged people living in the area. BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Abdus Salam, Prof Farhad Halim Donar and Ward No-19 Councillor Abdul Alim Naki were, among others, present at the programme. Later, Dr Zubaida Rahman visited the office of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF), where she listened to various health problems of women and provided necessary medical advice. Read More: Dr Zubaida flies back to London ZRF Executive Director and DAB Chief Adviser Prof Dr Farhad Halim Donar, DAB Treasurer Dr Mehedi Hasan, Joint Secretary General Dr ANM Manowarul Qadir Bitu, specialised medical camp coordinator Dr Ziaul Karim, Dr Mostafa Aziz Suman, Prof Dr Mohammad Safiuddin and Professor Dr Khabir Uddin, along with other specialist doctors, were present on the occasion.

A Biman Bangladesh Airlines fight carrying BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman landed at Sylhet Osmani International Airport on Thursday morning. The flight BG-102 taking Tarique and his entourage landed at the airport at 9:57am while it took off London’s Heathrow Airport around 12:23 am (BST). To welcome the party acting chairman, leaders and supporters gathered at the airport. After an hour stopover, the flight will depart the airport and land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:50 am. Senior BNP leaders, including members of the party’s Standing Committee, are set to receive him at the Dhaka airport. Tarique is travelling with his wife, Zubaida Rahman, his daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, and other personal aides. BNP awaits a new chapter as Tarique set to land in Bangladesh  

The Election Commission has collected information about Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, for her inclusion in the voter list. EC officials said her information was gleaned during the recent door-to-door data collection in Dhaka. “Zubaida Rahman’s information has been gathered under the ongoing voter list updating programme,” EC senior secretary Akhtar Ahmed told the media on Monday. He said a name is included in the final voter list on completion of the entire updating process following the data collection and registration. As per electoral laws, a person must be a registered voter to contest in any election. In the case of the parliamentary election, a voter can contest elections from any constituency in the country. The photograph-based voter registration process began in 2008, when Tarique Rahman and Zubaida Rahman were in London as they left Bangladesh for London on September 11, 2008 and they have been living there since then. Zubaida Rahman departs for London But on May 06 last, Zubaida returned to Bangladesh accompanying BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia after the latter’s medical treatment in London. She left for London again on June 5 last. EC officials collected Zubaida’s personal information in Dhaka before Eid-ul-Azha. According to the law, the draft voter list must be published by January 2 next year, with the final list due by March 2. However, if the next general election is held in February, the Election Commission is considering amending the law to finalise the list earlier. Zubaida, a physician by profession, was born on May 18, 1972, in Dakshin Surma Upazila of Sylhet District. After passing her higher secondary examinations with distinction, she went on to study at Dhaka Medical College. She married Tarique Rahman on February 3, 1994. Zubaida passed the MBBS examination with distinction and began her career as a government doctor through the BCS in 1995, securing first place in the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS-Health) examination.

Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, left Dhaka for London on Thursday after spending a month in Bangladesh.  She departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:55 am for Heathrow Airport, London, in a flight of Qatar Airways, said Atikur Rahman Rumon, a member of the BNP Media Cell. “As soon as she boarded the plane, Zubaida Rahman called Madam (Khaleda Zia) and sought her blessings,” Rumon said. On Wednesday night, he said Tarique’s wife met her mother Iqbal Mand Banu at their home in Dhanmondi, ‘Mahbub Bhaban’, to bid her farewell. Later, Rumon said, she returned to Feroza, the residence of her mother-in-law Khaleda Zia in Gulshan area of the city. After four months of advanced treatment in London, BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia returned to the country on May 6, accompanied by her two daughters-in-law, including Zubaida. Zubaida’s return marked the end of her 17 years of exile in London. Tarique Rahman, Dr Zubaida and their daughter Zaima Rahman have been living in London since 2008. Zubaida passed the MBBS examination with top merit and began her career as a government doctor after qualifying through the BCS in 1995.  She secured first place in the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS-Health) examination. Sheikh Hasina’s government dismissed her from her position after she went to London on study leave in 2008. After settling in London, Zubaida obtained a postgraduate degree in medicine from Imperial College.