Staff Correspondent

After 17 years in exile, Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, is set to return to Dhaka on Tuesday with a plan to stay at her father’s Dhanmondi residence, marking a poignant homecoming.

Zubaida is returning home with her mother-in-law and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, in an air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar.She left Dhaka with her husband Tarique Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman 17 years ago, on 11 September 2008.The house, known as Mahbub Bhaban, is located on Road 5 of Dhanmondi and was the residence of her late father, former Navy Chief Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan and the preparations are underway to welcome Zubaida to her paternal home, where she will be staying with her ailing mother.BNP Media Cell member Atikur Rahman Rumman told The Daily Country Today that security and renovation works are going on at the residence. “Since Zubaida Rahman is coming to stay at the house, we’re making all arrangements, including decoration, CCTV installation and ensuring all utility services are in order so that she can stay there comfortably,” he said.Rumman said everything will be ready ahead of Zubaida’s arrival. “The Mahbub Bhaban will be fully prepared to receive her.”The Mahbub Bhaban is currently home to Zubaida’s mother, Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu, and the family of her elder sister, Shahina Zaman. Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu was recently admitted to a hospital in Dhaka.Rumman said extensive security measures have been taken at the residence, including the installation of CCTV cameras around the perimeter walls and the deployment of police and BNP Chairperson’s Special Security Force (CSF) personnel.