For many years, Tarique Rahman’s educational background has remained a topic of political debate and discussion in Bangladesh. Questions have frequently been raised regarding his studies at the University of Dhaka, particularly on social media and in political discourse. However, statements from university records, teachers, classmates, and eyewitnesses from that period indicate that Tarique Rahman was indeed a student of the University of Dhaka, although he could not complete his higher education due to the country’s turbulent political situation at the time.
Admission to Dhaka University
During the 1985–86 academic session, Tarique Rahman was admitted to the Department of Law at the University of Dhaka as part of the 13th batch. Later, he migrated to the Department of International Relations. He was also a resident student of Sir Salimullah Muslim (SM) Hall.
At that time, Bangladesh was going through intense political unrest due to the anti-Ershad movement. Dhaka University campus had become a center of political conflict, violence, session jams, and insecurity. As a result, maintaining regular academic activities became extremely difficult for many students.
Teacher’s Recollection of Tarique Rahman
Professor Dr. Nurul Amin Bepari, who taught Tarique Rahman directly, described him as a calm, polite, and humble student. According to him, Tarique regularly communicated with teachers regarding academic matters and behaved like an ordinary student despite being the son of former President Ziaur Rahman.
Dr. Nurul Amin stated that Tarique Rahman could not complete his honors degree mainly because of the unstable political environment and security concerns surrounding him during that period. He also mentioned that Tarique later completed a BA (Pass Course) from a college and subsequently enrolled in the preliminary master’s program in the Department of Political Science at Dhaka University.
The professor further noted that Tarique Rahman never attempted to use his family background for special privileges. Instead, he completed the admission process like any other student and maintained respectful relations with teachers and classmates. Late Professor Razia Akter Banu had also praised his modest behavior in one of her writings.
Memories from Classmates
Professor Asif Nazrul, a former student of the Law Department and now a faculty member at Dhaka University, also confirmed publicly that Tarique Rahman was unquestionably a student of the university. According to him, Tarique attended classes regularly for several months after being admitted to the Law Department in the 1985–86 session.
Asif Nazrul believes that security risks and the volatile political environment likely forced him to discontinue his studies.
Several notable personalities were reportedly among Tarique Rahman’s classmates, including former Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, environmental adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, and Appellate Division Justice Farah Mahbub.
Another classmate, Ali Mostafa Khan, confirmed that Tarique Rahman studied in the same batch and that they interacted several times inside the classroom. He stated that there is no room for doubt regarding Tarique Rahman’s identity as a Dhaka University student.
Former student Mohammad Shah Wali Ullah also shared a personal memory from the university admission period. He recalled finding a file containing admission documents under the name “Tarique Rahman, son of Ziaur Rahman” and returning it to a young man searching for it. At that moment, he recognized the resemblance between the young student and the late President Ziaur Rahman.
Return to Campus After 35 Years
Recently, after nearly 35 years, Tarique Rahman visited the Dhaka University campus once again. Students welcomed him warmly, chanting slogans and referring to him as a “senior brother of the campus.” The visit appeared emotional for him as he revisited memories of his university life and expressed his desire to return again in the future.
No False Claim About Educational Qualifications
Despite ongoing criticism and online misinformation, Tarique Rahman has never exaggerated his educational qualifications. Even in his election affidavit, he officially mentioned his academic qualification as “HSC Passed.” Therefore, allegations regarding fake degrees or false academic claims lack factual evidence.
Political analyst Mohiuddin Ahmed also observed that many prominent political leaders in Bangladesh had incomplete university education due to political circumstances. According to him, Tarique Rahman’s case is not unusual within the country’s political history.
Importance of Fact-Based Discussion
Political differences are natural in a democratic society. However, spreading misinformation, personal attacks, or baseless propaganda against individuals cannot be considered healthy political practice. Discussions regarding Tarique Rahman’s educational life may continue, but any debate should be based on verified information and factual evidence rather than ridicule or misinformation. Truthful and respectful discourse remains essential for a democratic and civilized society.