Khaleda Zia will play role in polls if her health permits: Tarique Rahman

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said if party Chairperson Khaleda Zia's health allows, she will certainly play some role in the upcoming national election, though he has not specified what that role could be.

He made the statement when asked about Khaleda Zia's possible involvement in the election in an interview with BBC Bangla that aired today (6 October).

Responding to the question, Tarique said Khaleda Zia endured repression under the previous government but never compromised.

"Such a person is ill today. The people of this country know why and how she became sick. She was sent to jail after being implicated in false cases. We saw a healthy person go in and a sick person come out…denied even proper treatment," he said.

Despite her health condition, Tarique said he believes Khaleda Zia still holds an important place in the country's democratic struggle.

"As an activist of this party, I believe that if her physical ability allows, she will certainly play some role in the much-anticipated election," he said.

When asked whether that role could involve participating directly in the polls, he replied, "I cannot say that yet. It depends on her physical ability."

Responding to a question about Khaleda Zia's illness and the influence of the Zia family in the BNP's future leadership, Tarique said politics is not determined by lineage but by the ability to connect with people.

"When a doctor's child becomes a doctor, sometimes they do well, sometimes not. Lawyers' children can also become good lawyers, and sometimes not. Many politicians' children have entered politics; some succeeded, others did not.

"Politics is not about being limited to a family. It is based on support and leadership. The one who can unite and lead the people will move forward. Time and circumstance will determine that," he said.