Tarique will return, but suitable environment for that yet to be created: Salahuddin

Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of BNP, will return to the country, but a suitable environment for that to happen has not yet been established, said the party's Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed today (5 January).

"The acting chairman's return will take a little more time," he said while speaking to reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka after returning from a two-week trip to London, where Tarique currently lives.

During the tenure of the then military-backed caretaker government, Tarique, the eldest son of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and its Chairperson Khaleda Zia, was arrested on 7 March 2007. He was released on bail on 3 September 2008.

Eight days later, he left for London on 11 September and has been living there with his family ever since.

Since the imprisonment of his mother Khaleda Zia in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case on 8 February 2018, Tarique has been serving remotely as the acting chairman of the BNP.

Salahuddin travelled to the UK on 20 December at the invitation of Tarique. During his visit, he held meetings with Tarique and various leaders from the BNP's UK units, and discussed the party's future political strategies, and the upcoming national elections.

Regarding amendments, changes, and repeals of the constitution, Salahuddin said, "The constitution cannot be abolished or buried. Amending and modifying the current constitution is our only and best course of action."

When asked about the discussions with Tarique, he said, "You will gradually learn about these matters. However, the acting chairman has emphasised the importance of unity."

He further stated, "The anti-fascist unity currently taking shape in Bangladesh must be implemented through democratic processes. Any conspiracy to delay elections will be foiled by the people. Therefore, we must move quickly toward establishing a political government through democratic means."

"Reforms should not take excessive time. Preparations for reforms and elections must be made based on national unity, with a focus on democratic processes," he said. 

Salahuddin also said, "We must not operate vaguely. It is crucial to formulate a clear roadmap through discussions with all stakeholders. If a new political force emerges, we will welcome it, but it must not be one that's being supported by the government."