Baby Naznin excluded, ‘Fatema’ recognized as Tarique Zia’s legal sister

Noman Sabit: Baby Naznin is a popular Bangladeshi singer. Known as the “Black Diamond,” she has long been a prominent figure not only in the cultural arena but also in political and social circles. Recently, she has once again come into the spotlight over the legal status of her relationship with the family of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

Baby Naznin rose to prominence in the 1990s as a leading voice in modern Bangla music. Her vocal style, stage presence, and political allegiance together secured her a distinctive position within BNP-aligned cultural circles.

On numerous occasions, she has publicly stated that from childhood she addressed former President Ziaur Rahman as “father” and Khaleda Zia as “mother.” On the basis of this emotionally charged relationship, she was long regarded in political and social spheres as a close member of the family.

For years, Baby Naznin claimed that she was the religiously and legally recognized sister of Khaleda Zia’s son, Tarique Zia. She even performed songs on various stages under the title “Khaleda is my mother, Tarique is my brother.” However, recent developments suggest that this status has changed.

According to available information, Tarique Zia has legally recognized Fatema—his mother’s long-time domestic aide—as his sister. As a result, observers believe that Baby Naznin’s claim, or the social recognition attached to it, has effectively been revoked or withdrawn.

In Khaleda Zia’s political and personal life, Fatema has long been known as a trusted companion. Various sources note that during periods of illness, imprisonment, and political crisis, Fatema remained one of Khaleda Zia’s closest aides. It is against this backdrop of long-standing reliance and familial closeness that observers believe the decision was made to grant Fatema legal recognition.

According to multiple party leaders and activists, Baby Naznin has been involved in BNP politics since her school days. After spending eight years in exile, she returned to Bangladesh from the United States on November 10, 2024, amid a changing political landscape. Since her return, she has been actively involved in party activities.

Singer Baby Naznin was an aspirant for the BNP nomination in the Nilphamari-4 (Saidpur and Kishoreganj) constituency in the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Saidpur is her birthplace. However, in the final list, the party announced the nomination of Professor Abdul Gafur Sarkar, president of the Saidpur Organizational District BNP, for that seat.

Meanwhile, the absence of Baby Naznin’s name from the preliminary list has caused disappointment among her supporters. Ahead of the election, she had been carrying out extensive grassroots outreach, street meetings, and exchange-of-views gatherings in Saidpur and Kishoreganj, with active participation from local BNP leaders and activists.

Earlier, in the 11th National Parliamentary Election in 2018, Baby Naznin had also sought the BNP nomination for the same constituency. At that time, she was kept as an alternative candidate, but the nomination ultimately went to Amjad Hossain Sarkar, then mayor of Saidpur Municipality and general secretary of the district BNP. Baby Naznin later withdrew her nomination papers. Party insiders believe that had she been nominated from this seat, she would have had a strong chance of winning.

Baby Naznin has received the National Award for her many popular songs. Widely regarded as one of the most prolific artists in modern Bangla music—with the highest number of solo, duet, and mixed audio albums—she has captivated audiences across audio platforms, radio, television, film, and stages at home and abroad since the beginning of her musical career. Through countless hit songs, this renowned “Doel of North Bengal” has enriched the treasury of Bangla music.

Baby Naznin previously lived with her family in New Jersey, United States. She is now based in Astoria, New York, with her only son, Maharaj Amitabh. Her son has completed his undergraduate degree in IT from the University of Houston and is currently doing an internship.

Those close to Baby Naznin say the decision has caused her significant emotional distress. Although she has not yet issued any formal written statement on the matter, expressions of anger and disappointment have surfaced among her close circles on social media.

Many view this not merely as a family or legal decision, but as a reflection of a broader reassessment of trust, loyalty, and long-standing relationships within the BNP.

The loss of Baby Naznin’s status as a “legal or religious sister” carries symbolic political significance. It underscores how, in Bangladeshi politics, personal emotion, long-term loyalty, or cultural contribution can ultimately become secondary to formal legal decisions.

Some interpret the development as a reconfiguration of family relations, while others see it as a subtle signal of emerging political distance.

At one time, the relationship between Baby Naznin and Khaleda Zia symbolized emotion, loyalty, and trust. The recent decision, however, marks a clear rupture in the legal chapter of that relationship. Whether its impact will be entirely erased from history, memory, and political reality remains to be seen.

One thing is certain, in Bangladeshi politics, relationships are ultimately defined not by sentiment alone, but by what is written on paper.

(*This report is produced by Bangla Press. Republishing our content, images, or broadcasts in any other media outlet without permission is strictly prohibited.)

BP/SM