In 2004, authorities seized ten trucks full of arms and ammunition in Chittagong. Tarique Rahman was alleged to be involved in smuggling arms for banned groups. BNP claimed it was politically motivated. On 18 December 2024, the High Court acquitted key accused in the case.
• The 2004 Dhaka Grenade Attack (2004- 2024)
On 21 August 2004, during an Awami League rally The 2004 Dhaka grenade attack happened the 2004 Dhaka grenade attack happened that killed 24 people and injuring around 300, including Sheikh Hasina. However, during the initial investigation Tarique Rahman was not named in the case, but later in 2009 investigations under the Awami League government Tarique, was accused for being the mastermind.
In 2011, he was officially charged, and in 2018, a special tribunal sentenced him to life in prison in absentia as he was abroad. The BNP denied the charges, calling them politically motivated. Finally, on 1 December 2024, the High Court released Tarique Rahman and others.
• Hawa Bhaban Controversy (2007–2025)
Tarique Rahman and several BNP leaders were accused of taking bribes from businessmen and rivals through Hawa Bhaban and laundering the money abroad. Investigations were conducted by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the FBI in the U.S., and courts in Singapore. A case was filed in Bangladesh in 2010 for bribery and money laundering. On 20 March 2025, the court acquitted Tarique Rahman, clearing him of all charges.igh Court acquitted both Tarique and Mamun, clearing them of all charge.
• Money Laundering Case (2007–2024)
In June 2007, the ACC filed a money laundering case against Tarique Rahman and his associate Giasuddin Al Mamun. In 2013, a lower court acquitted him, but the High Court overturned this in 2016, sentencing him to seven years in prison and imposing a fine. Eventually, in December 2024, the High Court acquitted both Tarique and Mamun.
• Illegal Wealth Acquisition (2007–2025)
Tarique Rahman, his wife Zubaida Rahman, and her mother were accused of having illegal assets beyond their declared income. A Dhaka court sentenced Tarique to nine years and Zubaida to three years, along with fines and asset confiscation. In October 2024, Zubaida’s sentence was temporarily suspended, and on 28 May 2025, both Tarique and Zubaida were acquitted of all charges.
• The Zia Charitable Trust corruption controversy (2008-2025)
In 2008, Tarique Rahman and his mother former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was charged with corruption. It was alleged that about Tk 2.1 crore, they had taken for the Zia Orphanage Trust, was misused for personal purposes instead of being spent on the trust’s work.
The trial began in 2011, and on 8 February 2018, a Dhaka court sentenced Khaleda Zia to 5 years in prison and Tarique Rahman to 10 years. Since Tarique was living in the UK, he was tried in absentia, and an international arrest warrant was issued against him. The verdict created huge political controversy—BNP called it politically motivated, while the Awami League said it was a fair legal step.
Finally, on 15 January 2025, both Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman, along with the other accused, were released of all charges.