TDS Desk:

Salma (not her real name), a young SSC examinee, faced a devastating reality—her battle against blood cancer was nearing an end, not because of the disease’s aggressiveness, but due to the cruel hand of financial hardship. Her family, grappling with the mounting costs, had nearly given up hope, believing her treatment would soon cease, extinguishing not only her life but her dreams as well.

But then, as if by a miracle, an anonymous benefactor stepped in, covering the costs and ensuring her treatment could continue. Unbeknownst to her family, it was Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the BNP, who had quietly taken on the responsibility of giving Salma a fighting chance.

This act of generosity is not an isolated incident but a glimpse into the quiet, unwavering philanthropy that Tarique Rahman has carried out for years, often without the recipients knowing who their benefactor is.

For many years now, Tarique Rahman has been a silent guardian for the helpless and needy, transcending political affiliations in his efforts to uplift those who suffer in silence. Despite being the elder son of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and having endured his own share of trials, including torture during the 1/11 changeover and years in exile, he has consistently extended a helping hand to those in need.

One such beneficiary is Shahnaz Begum, the widow of Golam Rabbani, a former organising secretary of the BNP’s Laxmichap union unit. Rabbani was allegedly killed by Awami League members in 2014, leaving behind his wife and three daughters.

“Tarique Rahman has never allowed us to feel abandoned,” Shahnaz says with deep gratitude. “He has taken care of everything—from our children’s education to medical expenses. He even built us a home. I feel like we are part of his family, and I pray daily for Allah’s blessings upon him.”

Another story of Tarique Rahman’s quiet generosity comes from Emon (not his real name), who now holds an official post in a government institution.

His dreams of higher education nearly crumbled due to financial constraints, but Tarique Rahman intervened, ensuring that he could complete his graduation from the University of Dhaka. “My HSC results were excellent, but I couldn’t see how I would continue my education,” Emon recalls. “Then, like a guardian angel, Tarique Rahman stepped in.”

Over the years, these charitable acts have grown into a more organised effort under the banner of “Amra BNP Poribar” (We BNP Family). This platform formalises the assistance Tarique Rahman has provided for years, expanding its reach and impact.

Atikur Rahman Ruman, convener of this platform, recalls how he first witnessed Tarique Rahman’s generosity. “From a young age, he had a deep sympathy for the less fortunate. When I began working closely with him, I saw how his compassion translated into action—helping poor students, the sick, and the underprivileged.”

Ruman shares a particularly moving story from 2003, involving a woman in her late twenties who was begging outside Tarique Rahman’s Banani office.

Lying on her lap was an older woman, gravely ill and bleeding from her mouth. Upon seeing them, Tarique Rahman immediately instructed Ruman to arrange medical care for the older woman. After she recovered, he funded the establishment of a small grocery shop in their native village, spending Tk30,000 to give them a fresh start.

This was just one of many such stories.

By 2004, Tarique Rahman had begun providing educational scholarships to meritorious students, many of whom were unaware of the source of their support.

In 2006, stipends were extended to 44-46 students, including those in medical and engineering fields, chosen based on media reports and information from BNP leaders.

Even when Tarique Rahman was arrested during the 1/11 political upheaval, he ensured his philanthropic work continued unabated.

After moving to London for medical treatment, Tarique Rahman resumed his efforts, focusing on the students and families he had previously supported. Despite the growing numbers, many beneficiaries remain unaware that their aid comes directly from Tarique Rahman’s personal funds.

His philanthropy extends beyond education. For instance, in 2014, he directed his aides to distribute Eid gifts to 750 families of those killed or disappeared under suspicious circumstances.

By 2024, the number of families supported by Amra BNP Poribar had risen to 900. Now, under the umbrella of Amra BNP Poribar, Tarique Rahman’s philanthropy continues to flourish. The organisation provides regular financial support to ailing individuals, arranges marriages for the daughters of the less fortunate, constructs homes, and funds orphanages and educational institutions across Bangladesh.

One particularly heart-wrenching case involved a woman who, eight months pregnant, was run over by a truck in Mymensingh. After her death, Tarique Rahman ensured that her family received monthly shopping support to the tune of Tk5,000, helping them navigate their tragic loss.

Dr Zubaida Rahman, Tarique’s wife, also plays a crucial role in these charitable efforts, offering guidance and oversight. “Under her instructions, we visited the families of children and women who were killed or injured during the student-led mass uprising and provided them with assistance,” said Ruman.

He mentioned that they have already visited 21 families of children and women who were injured or killed by law enforcement and Awami League members during the mass movement.

Ruman sums up Tarique Rahman’s vision with a quote: “I want to build a Bangladesh where there will be no need for such platforms or individuals to assist the needy because no one will be helpless or impoverished.”

Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, senior joint secretary general of the BNP and chief adviser to Amra BNP Poribar, noted, “Tarique Rahman has been consistently providing assistance to the poor and helpless, as well as to party members who were killed, injured, or imprisoned during the movement. Now, Amra BNP Poribar has evolved into a platform through which he offers this support.”

Following Tarique Rahman’s directives, party leaders visited the homes of destitute families and delivered the assistance, he added.