Staff Correspondent

The BNP has sent the inspector general of police (IGP) a letter asking them to “ensure security” of Zubaida Rahman, the wife of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, upon their arrival to Bangladesh.

The party also sought “police security alongside cars” to ensure her safety outside the home.The letter wrote, “BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia will return home on May 4 (later the party said May 5) after completing her medical treatment abroad. Zubaida Rahman will come home as her travel companion.”According to the letter, Zubaida will stay at her father’s house in Dhanmondi and “there is a security threat to her life as a member of the Zia family and the wife of Tarique Rahman”.“Therefore, we are specifically requesting you to take security measures during her stay at her Dhaka residence during her trip,” it said.Signed by Khaleda’s private secretary ABM Abdus Sattar and dated Apr 30, the letter outlines a four-layer security arrangement.It includes armed security personnel, police escort with vehicles, a police guard at home, and the installation of archways at the residence.Sattar confirmed the matter of the letter to bdnews24.com, saying: “This letter has been sent to ensure her (Zubaida) security.”Khaleda, who had flown to London for treatment, will return to the country on the morning of May 5, said party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.She will be accompanied by Zubaida and Arafat Rahman Koko's wife Syeda Sharmila Rahman.Zubaida, daughter of former Navy Chief Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan, went to London in 2007 with her daughter Zaima Rahman for better treatment for her husband Tarique. After that, she did not return to the country.Several cases were filed against Zubaida during the tenure of the Awami League government.