The newly established National Citizen Party has introduced a top leadership structure that they’ve branded "Super Ten."

What stands out most to me about this group is that three of the ten members are women—an intentional and meaningful nod to diversity and inclusion from the outset.

It’s refreshing to see such an emphasis on balanced representation at the very highest levels of leadership. But among the names in this new cadre of political leaders, one stands out in particular: Dr. Tasnim Zara.

Dr. Tasnim is an alumna of Dhaka Medical College, a revered institution in Bangladesh. After completing her studies there, she moved to England to pursue an MSc in Evidence-Based Medicine at Oxford University, setting the stage for an exceptional career in the medical field. Her expertise didn’t stop there.

Tasnim went on to complete her residency in Internal Medicine at both Royal Papworth Hospital and Cambridge University Hospitals, earning her MRCP (Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians).

Her skills were so respected that Cambridge University promptly appointed her as an Internal Medicine Specialist and Teaching Attending.

Her qualifications go beyond the MRCP—Dr. Tasnim also took advanced training in women’s health at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, earning the DRCOG designation.

In a medical career that demands immense dedication, with long hours spent managing complex cases, training junior doctors, and conducting research, Tasnim excelled at every turn.

She could have easily returned to her home, exhausted from her day’s work, and settled into a quieter evening. But instead, she chose to channel her expertise into something bigger.

Unprecedented health advocacy

Bangladesh’s social media space is flooded with dubious medical figures—from an apparent fraud like [Dr Jahangir] Kabir to the commercially-driven, dangerously misleading advice giving figures like Dr. Sanjukta Saha. Amidst this, Dr. Tasnim has carved out a rare and valuable space.

She runs a YouTube health channel that remains firmly rooted in evidence-based medicine, offering a trusted, professional resource in a landscape that is often more about spectacle than substance.

Dr. Tasnim’s commitment to both her medical practice and to improving the public’s understanding of health is not just admirable—it’s essential.

In a field so frequently clouded by misinformation, her channel serves as a beacon of integrity and professionalism.

The inclusion of such a capable, dynamic individual in the leadership of the National Citizen Party thus gives me hope that this new political initiative may indeed prioritize informed, thoughtful leadership.

In our society, women’s health remains a largely hidden and suppressed issue. Adolescent girls, young women, married women, and older women often shy away from discussing their physical concerns—not only with doctors but even with their mothers, husbands, or adult children.

This hesitation could explain why diseases like breast cancer, cervical cancer, and other serious conditions are often diagnosed in our country only at their most advanced stages, leaving little room for effective intervention.

Dr. Tasnim has made a remarkable impact on the health sector, particularly in advocating for women’s health, both within the Bangladeshi community and the diaspora.

Through her twelve-million-subscriber YouTube channel, Tasnim has been able to provide invaluable health education and support to women.

Despite facing harsh criticism and backlash on social media in Bangladesh for her efforts, her work has been recognized internationally.

The British government has honored her with special awards and medals, and she has become a prominent figure in the UK, with her work featured in major news outlets like BBC, Sky News, ITV, and the Financial Times, where her interviews are regularly published and broadcast.

In addition to her media presence, Tasnim, alongside her husband Khaled Saifullah (I will return to him shortly), has developed a groundbreaking Bengali-language app, Shohay Health.

This platform offers evidence-based health solutions, particularly focusing on the needs of Bengali-speaking women.

To date, the app provides regular assistance to around one hundred thousand Bangladeshi women.

Taking a leap of faith to build the nation

Dr. Tasnim previously worked at Cambridge University Hospitals and taught at Cambridge University Medical School.

The revenue from her YouTube channel alone is considerable, yet she chose to leave it all behind. Selling her house and leaving her established career, she returned to Bangladesh with a mission to make a difference.

Now, think about how our country has welcomed Tasnim in recent times on social media–all those falsified and vilifying posts discrediting her illustrious career and viewpoints! Don’t many of you often wonder why educated and capable individuals hesitate to enter politics in Bangladesh?

Tasnim's decision to return to her own country was made easier by the unwavering encouragement, sacrifice, and support of her life partner, Khaled Saifullah.

Khaled Saifullah was an exceptional student in the Law Department at Dhaka University and went on to become the founding chief editor of the Dhaka Law Review.

He later pursued a master's degree in International Human Rights Law from Oxford University. For over a decade, Khaled has been a leading figure in the field of international human rights law.

As the CEO of the healthcare technology platform Shohay Health, which he co-founded with Tasnim, Khaled has been the driving force behind the project. He is also serving as the joint convener of the newly formed party.

This young couple has made the bold decision to return to Bangladesh, while many of us remain comfortably settled in the West, voicing our frustrations from afar.

Instead of seeking out corporate jobs in more comfortable settings, Tasnim and Khaled have chosen the challenging and uncertain path of politics.

I hope that Tasnim and Khaled's journey is made easier and that their example inspires thousands of others to follow in their footsteps.

May their return help make our country more beautiful and prosperous.

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Rumi Ahmed is a Texas-based Physician and writer