No specific info on Tarique's return; Fakhrul says depends on Khaleda's health

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said Tarique Rahman's return to Bangladesh depends on Khaleda Zia's health condition, while Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has stated that no specific information is currently available.

Meanwhile, responsible party sources have indicated that the acting chairman's return is likely between 12 and 15 December. 

Tarique's return to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile in London has been a topic of speculations and debates in the country's political landscape since the ouster of Awami League government in August 2024.

With national election approaching, the topic intensified after Tarique's mother and BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on 23 November.

She was moved into CCU on 27 November and remains at the hospital in critical condition.

BNP leaders return likely soon

Fakhrul in a Facebook post from the party's official Facebook page today (2 December) said Tarique will decide on his return after assessing whether Khaleda's health allows her to be taken abroad.

"If her condition remains unchanged, he is expected to return soon," Fakhrul wrote.

Meanwhile, two members of the party's standing committee today told The Business Standard that Tarique is expected to return between 12 and 15 December, provided all arrangements are in order. 

They said Tarique will return once the election schedule for the next national election is announced, which they expect to be by 12 December.

Also confirming the timing, a member of Tarique's advisory council added that certain legal formalities for his travel are still being finalised, but these are expected to be completed shortly. 

"His return may depend on Khaleda's health, and could shift by a day or two if necessary," he added.

The Election Commission is scheduled to meet on 7 December, after which the election schedule could be announced at any time, according to sources.

Earlier on Monday, following a standing committee meeting, another committee member Salauddin Ahmed also said Tarique will be returning soon.

Govt has no info on Tarique's return

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Tauhid Hossain today said the ministry does not have specific information on Tarique's return, mentioning that he has not yet sought any travel pass.

"Travel pass will be issued if he seeks. So far, I know, he is yet to seek any travel pass," he said when a journalist approached him while leaving his office.

Asked whether Tarique holds any passport, Touhid said he does not know about the matter.

Earlier on Sunday, Touhid said the government can issue a "one-time" travel pass within a day, facilitating Tarique's return to home if he wishes to come back home. 

Adviser Touhid said there are no restrictions on his return from the government side.

Meanwhile, Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today said the interim government is ready to provide any support needed for Tarique's security, 

"We are ready for everyone. The home ministry is prepared for all, and for those who need special security… whatever special arrangements are required, we are ready to provide them," he told the media after a meeting on law and order at the Secretariat.

Tarique's return personal, family decision: Khosru

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today said Tarique's return is entirely a "personal and family matter".

Talking to the media after an event in Dhaka, Khosru said the ongoing discussion surrounding Tarique's return would have no negative impact on the national election, reports UNB.

In response to a question on whether a travel pass could facilitate Tarique Rahman's return, Khosru said he was not aware of any such process.

BNP preparing for return

The party has prepared security arrangements for his arrival, including a dedicated team to accompany him at all times. This team, formed from experienced and loyal party workers, is almost finalised, party sources said. 

They said his office in Gulshan has been organised and refurbished, with a new gate installed.

Tarique Rahman will reside at 196 Firoza, next to Khaleda's Gulshan residence. The house has been fitted with CCTV and security is managed by the BNP chairperson's security force.

On 30 November, highlighting his mother's illness, Tarique posted on his verified Facebook page from London: "At such a critical time, the longing to feel a mother's affection is natural for any child, including me. But, like others, I don't have sole control or decision-making power over this sensitive matter. Once the political situation reaches the expected stage, our family hopes my long-awaited return home will be possible."

Tarique was arrested during the caretaker government period and went to the UK in 2008 for medical treatment. He has not returned since, managing the party from London.

After five years under house arrest, Khaleda left for London on 8 January 2025 for medical treatment – and to reunite with Tarique after more than seven years apart. She returned home on 6 May.