Why Fatema Begum is Zia family’s trusted confidante

Born into an extremely struggling rural family, Fatema Begum has emerged as a unique and behind-the-scenes witness to Bangladesh’s political history. For nearly 16 years, she served as the constant companion of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, rising beyond the identity of a domestic worker to become an inseparable figure of trust within the Zia family. From the dark confines of prison cells to long days of house arrest, lonely hospital nights and silent corridors of foreign trips, she stood quietly by the leader’s side in every moment of hardship, setting a rare example of loyalty. Even after Begum Zia’s death, that unbroken bond of trust continues, with Fatema now serving as the constant companion of her granddaughter, Zaima Rahman.

A recent glimpse of this steadfast loyalty was seen last Friday, January 2. In several videos that went viral on social media, Zaima Rahman was seen visiting her grandmother Begum Khaleda Zia’s grave at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. As Zaima stepped out of the vehicle, Fatema Begum, her long-time trusted aide, was seen right behind her. Throughout the grave visit, Fatema remained present alongside Zaima Rahman and other family members.

Family sources and senior BNP leaders said that in recognition of Fatema’s 16 years of sacrifice, the Zia family has arranged permanent housing for her and taken responsibility for her children’s education and employment. She is now regarded not merely as an employee but as a dependable member of the family, overseeing Zaima Rahman’s personal and daily affairs. From now on, her living, food and medical expenses will be borne by Zaima Rahman and her family.

According to published reports, Fatema’s long journey began amid severe hardship. She is the eldest of five children of Rafiqul Islam and Maleka Begum from Shah-Madar village in Kachia union of Bhola Sadar upazila. In 2008, her life took a tragic turn when her husband Harun Lahari died suddenly after falling ill, leaving her with two young children, the elder only two years old at the time. She returned to her parents’ home, where her grocery shopkeeper father’s limited income barely sustained the large family. Eventually, leaving her children in the village, she travelled to Dhaka in search of work to ensure food for them.

In 2009, through an acquaintance, Fatema began working as a domestic helper at Khaleda Zia’s residence, Firoza. She first came into national attention in 2014 during the BNP’s March for Democracy programme. On December 29, Khaleda Zia attempted to leave her Gulshan residence amid heavy security barricades with sand-filled trucks. As police pressure made it difficult for her to keep her balance, Fatema held her firmly. That image, captured on camera, remains etched in public memory.

The greatest test of Fatema’s loyalty came in 2018. On February 8 that year, a Dhaka special judge’s court sentenced Khaleda Zia to five years in the Zia Orphanage Trust case. After the verdict, she was taken to the old central jail on Nazimuddin Road. Despite having no legal obligation, Fatema voluntarily applied to accompany her into prison to ensure care for the ailing leader. With court permission, she stayed alongside Khaleda Zia in jail for 25 months.

Her steadfastness continued during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. When Khaleda Zia was infected with coronavirus in April that year and remained hospitalised at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for 53 days, Fatema cared for her throughout, ignoring the risk of infection. She also remained by her side during treatment in London.

Fatema was present until Khaleda Zia’s final breath at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. On December 31, the day of her burial at Zia Udyan, she was seen walking alongside the coffin, tearful and resolute, until the very end. Following Khaleda Zia’s passing, Fatema Begum continues her trusted journey today as the constant companion of Zaima Rahman.

Author: Samiul Ibne Hossain, contributor