Dhaka: BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will return home ‘soon’, announced the party’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir during a briefing at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan. Fakhrul addressed reporters this morning, discussing various topics including Rahman’s anticipated return.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, when questioned about a specific date for Rahman’s return, Fakhrul stated, “He will return soon,” without providing further details. The Secretary General also addressed the health condition of BNP leader Khaleda Zia, noting improvements in her physical condition as reported by doctors.
Fakhrul recently returned from Thailand, where he underwent eye surgery, arriving back in Dhaka the night before Eid. His visit to the Chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Tuesday was primarily to exchange Eid greetings with journalists. During this interaction, he touched upon numerous subjects, including politics, elections, and meetings involving Tarique Rahman.
The BNP has been urging for parliamentary elections to be held by December. However, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced on Friday that the elections would take place in the first half of April. Addressing this development, Fakhrul expressed hope that the government would reconsider the timing of the elections.
Fakhrul also mentioned a scheduled meeting in London between Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman, slated for Friday morning. When asked if this meeting might influence a change in the election date, Fakhrul expressed optimism, highlighting the potential for new opportunities.
Tarique Rahman, who left for London in 2008 following his release from prison for medical treatment, has not returned to the country during the Awami League’s tenure. After several legal proceedings, he was acquitted in multiple cases following the fall of the Awami League-led government last year. His wife, Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima Rahman, accompanied him to London, but only Zubaida returned to the country earlier this year. Tarique, however, remains abroad, with his return now anticipated.