BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is expected to return home in April this year, while her elder son and the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, may return from London a few months before the forthcoming national election.
“He (Tarique Rahman) will return to the country at a time of his choosing. No specific date has been fixed for his return yet,” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Thursday.
Discussions regarding Tarique Rahman’s return have resurfaced following his acquittal in a bribery case by a Dhaka court on Thursday, seemingly clearing the legal hurdles to his homecoming.
Speaking to reporters after the verdict, BNP lawyer Burhan Uddin stated that, as there are no pending cases against Tarique Rahman in judicial courts, he faces no legal barriers to returning to Bangladesh and resuming political activities.
However, one of his legal counsels noted that his legal battle is not entirely over, as some cases remain unresolved.
“After 5 August, the day the fascist regime fell, there is no longer any obstacle to Tarique Rahman’s return. His homecoming is not linked to the cases. He is facing legal proceedings because he respects the law of the country,” BNP Legal Affairs Secretary Kaiser Kamal said.
One of Tarique Rahman’s close aides, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that he plans to return home with his wife, Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima Rahman, just before the Election Commission announces the parliamentary election schedule.
He added that two houses have been shortlisted for Tarique Rahman’s family – one apartment near Khaleda Zia’s current residence and another at his father-in-law’s house.
“However, nothing is confirmed yet. Once he gives the green light, the party and his family will finalize their decision regarding accommodation. Since he has no property in Dhaka, he will most likely stay in a rented house in Gulshan,” the aide added.
BNP insiders have indicated that the party is planning a grand reception for Tarique Rahman at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon his return, with leaders, activists, and supporters from across the country expected to gather in Dhaka to welcome him after nearly 16 years in exile.
Tarique Rahman left Bangladesh in September 2008 for medical treatment in the UK after securing bail from multiple cases during the military-backed caretaker government of 1/11. Since then, he and his family – Zubaida and Zaima Rahman – have been living in London.
The fascist Awami League government later created various obstacles for him, implicating him in several cases and securing convictions against him. The BNP claims Tarique Rahman has remained in the UK on political asylum.
During the BNP-led four-party alliance government (2001-2006), Tarique Rahman wielded considerable political influence, playing a key role in reorganizing the party at the grassroots level.
However, he was arrested on 7 March 2007 on charges of corruption and extortion during the army-backed caretaker government. After securing bail in September 2008, he left for London.
Tarique Rahman, the eldest son of Khaleda Zia and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, faced approximately 85 cases during the 1/11 government and the subsequent authoritarian Awami League regime.
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, a former three-time prime minister, has been residing at her eldest son's home in London since traveling there on 7 January this year for medical treatment.
Speaking to journalists after an Iftar gathering organized by Noakhali Nationalist Forum UK in London on Wednesday evening, UK BNP President MA Malek suggested that Tarique might return a few days after Khaleda Zia departs for Dhaka.
“He [Tarique Rahman] may return home a few days after Madam Khaleda Zia leaves London. I believe the two leaders will not travel together,” he said.
MA Malek further stated that, in response to their request for her to remain in the UK until after Eid, Khaleda Zia had agreed.
“She will now return home in mid-April after Eid,” he added.
“Madam’s doctors are also making necessary preparations for her return. However, there is also the issue of flight availability. If her flight is delayed, it could take an extra day or two. But Madam is ready to return home,” he noted.
While speculation had arisen that mother and son might return together, BNP leaders have dismissed the possibility.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, BNP Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said Tarique Rahman could return at any time.
“Tarique Rahman will return to the country after considering all factors, including his security.”
The anticipated return of Tarique Rahman, who has been actively leading the party from London since the fall of the AL government, has become a major talking point in the country’s political landscape.
Political analysts believe that Tarique Rahman’s homecoming will have significant implications for the nation’s political environment ahead of the national elections, whether he returns after Eid-ul-Fitr or later.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
