Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country amid escalating protests, accompanied by her sister, Sheikh Rehana Siddiq. Sheikh Rehana, the younger daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman—the revered “Father of Bangladesh”—and his wife Sheikh Fazilatun Necha Mujib, has long stood by her sister’s side during pivotal moments in Bangladeshi politics.
Who Is Sheikh Rehana?
Born on September 13, 1955, in Tungipara, Gopalganj, Sheikh Rehana’s life has been deeply intertwined with Bangladesh’s tumultuous history. Following the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family on August 15, 1975, Sheikh Rehana and Sheikh Hasina were in Germany visiting Hasina’s husband, M. A. Wazed Miah, in Karlsruhe. Their visit saved them from the tragedy that befell their family. Subsequently, the sisters sought political asylum in India before Sheikh Rehana relocated to London with her family.
While Sheikh Rehana has remained largely outside the political spotlight, her support for the liberation war and the Awami League’s cause has been steadfast. She has played a significant role in shaping international opinion and advocating for justice for her father’s murder. Though not actively involved in politics, she remains a supportive figure for Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League, particularly in times of crisis.
Rehana is married to Professor Shafique Ahmed Siddiq, and the couple has three children. Their eldest daughter, Tulip Siddiq, is a prominent member of the British Parliament representing the Labour Party. Their son, Radwan Mujib Siddiq, works with an international organization in Dhaka and is actively involved with the Awami League’s research institute, CRI. The youngest daughter, Azmina Siddiq, serves as a global risk analysis editor at Control Risks in London.
As Sheikh Hasina navigates this latest crisis, the presence and support of Sheikh Rehana Siddiq highlight the enduring bond between the two sisters and their shared commitment to their family’s legacy and Bangladesh’s political landscape.
