Zaima Rahman: The Journey of a Barrister from a Prominent Political Legacy
The name Zaima Rahman carries significant weight both in the legal profession and in the political discourse of Bangladesh. As the only daughter of Tarique Rahman, acting chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and the granddaughter of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, she stands at the crossroads of legal excellence and political legacy. Yet, beyond her family name, Barrister Zaima Rahman has built an impressive career in the United Kingdom, advocating in courts, handling civil law matters, and working across respected law firms. This article explores her education, career trajectory, legal roles, and her potential to emerge as a public figure while maintaining her professional identity.
Early Life and Background
Family Legacy
Zaima Rahman was born on 26 October 1995 in Dhaka. She belongs to the Majumder–Zia family, one of the most influential political families in Bangladesh. Her father, Tarique Rahman, is a central figure in the BNP, while her grandmother, Khaleda Zia, was the first female Prime Minister of the country. This deep-rooted political background naturally placed Zaima in the public eye from an early age.
A Balance of Law and Politics
While many might assume she would directly step into politics, Zaima chose to carve her own professional path first. Her focus has largely been on law, litigation, and client advocacy, highlighting her ability to merge intellectual discipline with her family’s tradition of leadership.
Education of Zaima Rahman
Schooling and Early Studies
Zaima’s education journey began at the International School Dhaka, after which she moved to London. There, she studied at Marymount International School, completing her O and A Levels.
University Education
Her higher education was pursued at the prestigious Queen Mary University of London, where she earned her LLB in Law and Politics between 2014 and 2017. Graduating with an upper second-class degree, she displayed an early aptitude for legal research and analytical thinking.
Legal Training
To further her legal career, she joined BPP University, where she undertook the Bar Professional Training Course between 2017 and 2019. This intensive course refined her advocacy skills, courtroom confidence, and research abilities.
Barrister Qualification
In 2019, Zaima Rahman was formally called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn, one of the most prestigious Inns of Court in London. This achievement solidified her standing as a qualified barrister and marked her transition into practical legal work.
Professional Legal Career
First Steps in the Legal Profession
Following her qualification, Zaima Rahman engaged in various legal roles across the United Kingdom. Her early career reflects a steady progression through firms and chambers, each role equipping her with specialised experience.
Strand Chambers – Legal Assistant
-
Duration: August 2020 – December 2020
-
Role: Part-time Legal Assistant
-
Experience: At Strand Chambers, Zaima assisted with legal documentation, research, and case preparation. This role provided her with crucial exposure to the workings of a busy chamber and honed her attention to detail.
Nucleus Legal Advice Centre – Access Coordinator
-
Duration: September 2020 – July 2021
-
Role: Full-time Access Coordinator
-
Experience: Here, Zaima worked with communities in need, ensuring access to legal advice and representation. Her role required client management, problem-solving, and liaison with solicitors. It highlighted her dedication to making justice accessible to those who might otherwise struggle to secure it.
Jeffreys Solicitors – Court Advocate
-
Duration: May 2021 – May 2022
-
Role: Freelance Court Advocate
-
Experience: At Jeffreys Solicitors, Zaima represented clients in court, particularly in civil law matters. This hands-on advocacy role demanded strong preparation, persuasive communication, and the ability to think quickly in hearings.
Ashley Taylors Legal – Court Advocate
-
Duration: June 2021 – May 2022
-
Role: Freelance Court Advocate
-
Experience: Simultaneously, Zaima undertook freelance advocacy with Ashley Taylors Legal. She gained further courtroom experience, dealing with clients, handling litigation, and mastering the nuances of case presentation in the civil sector.
ELMS Legal Limited – Advocate
-
Duration: June 2021 – May 2022
-
Role: Freelance Advocate
-
Experience: With ELMS Legal Limited, Zaima expanded her advocacy portfolio. The firm allowed her to develop broader litigation skills, especially in representing clients effectively during court appearances.
Professional Skills and Competence
Expertise in Civil Law
Zaima Rahman has extensive experience in civil law, particularly in areas requiring courtroom advocacy and client management. Her ability to handle complex disputes with professionalism has marked her as a capable advocate.
Legal Research
Her education and early roles, including her time at Strand Chambers, cultivated her strength in legal research. This allows her to craft strong legal arguments and stay updated with evolving case law.
Litigation and Advocacy
From her roles at ELMS Legal Limited, Ashley Taylors Legal, and Jeffreys Solicitors, she has developed significant expertise in litigation. Her experience has ranged from drafting to representing clients directly in hearings.
Public Role and Emerging Recognition
Connection with Bangladeshi Politics
While her professional career is rooted in London, Zaima’s heritage ties her closely to Bangladeshi politics. Her participation in international forums, including representing her father at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. in 2025, has hinted at a potential future role in public affairs.
The Blend of Law and Leadership
Zaima’s journey reflects a balance between legal independence and political heritage. While she has earned respect as a barrister in her own right, her family’s prominence ensures that she remains an influential figure in broader discussions.
Zaima Rahman’s Age and Personal Attributes
As of 2025, Zaima Rahman is 29 years old. Despite her young age, she has already achieved significant milestones in both her education and career. Her disciplined approach, confidence in advocacy, and strong sense of justice underline her potential for even greater accomplishments in the future.
Future Prospects
A Career Beyond the Courtroom?
Given her legal background and political lineage, many speculate that Zaima may eventually transition into a formal political role within Bangladesh. Her international exposure, legal expertise, and youthful energy could make her a valuable asset to the BNP in the years ahead.
Continued Growth as a Barrister
At the same time, her dedication to law remains clear. Whether she continues as a practising barrister in the UK or expands her practice internationally, Zaima has demonstrated the qualities of a committed and skilled legal professional.
Conclusion
The story of Zaima Rahman is one of determination, balance, and heritage. As a barrister, she has gained valuable experience through her roles at Strand Chambers, Nucleus Legal Advice Centre, Jeffreys Solicitors, Ashley Taylors Legal, and ELMS Legal Limited. As the daughter of Tarique Rahman and a member of Bangladesh’s most prominent political family, she embodies a unique blend of legal professionalism and political legacy.
At 29 years of age, her journey has only just begun. Whether she continues building her legal career or embraces the call of public leadership, Barrister Zaima Rahman stands as a figure of influence, intellect, and inspiration for the next generation.
