Tarique Rahman could cut short plans, return home for ailing mother

Bangla Press Desk: Considering BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s physical condition, party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman may return to the country soon. This indication has come from party sources. However, the exact time of his return is still uncertain.

Khaleda Zia is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. News of her critical illness has caused deep concern among party leaders and activists.

Tarique Rahman, who is currently in London, is also very worried. He and his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman are constantly monitoring his mother’s health. Zubaida Rahman is a member of the medical board formed for Khaleda Zia’s treatment. Arafat Rahman Koko’s wife Syeda Shamila Rahman and Khaleda Zia’s younger brother Shamim Eskander are also present at the hospital.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited the hospital to see the ailing Khaleda Zia on Friday afternoon. He rushed to the hospital again at night. Many BNP leaders at different levels also gathered there. In this situation, it is learned that Tarique Rahman may return to the country soon.

The schedule for the national parliamentary elections is expected to be announced at the beginning of December. A possible date for Tarique Rahman’s return had been under discussion around that time.

A senior BNP leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said last Thursday that Tarique Rahman might return during the first week of December. Once back, he would become a voter and take part in election campaigning.

BNP sources said that preparations—such as security arrangements, renovation of his residence, and office setup—had already been completed in accordance with earlier plans for the return of the party’s second top leader after 17 years. Leaders with communication links to Tarique Rahman said that he had planned to travel to Saudi Arabia for the holy Umrah and then come directly to Dhaka from London.

However, his mother’s sudden critical illness may change these plans, and he may have to return to the country sooner than expected.

BP/SP