Tarique will return home when all legal issues end: Fakhrul after London trip

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will return to the country when all legal issues end, the party's Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam said today (12 December).

"You [journalists] know there are many vindictive false cases against him... He will return if they are withdrawn or completed through the courts," the BNP leader said  while replying to questions from reporters at the Dhaka airport after returning from his London trip,

Replying to questions about what message he brought from Tarique Rahman, the BNP secretary general said the acting BNP chief has called on the people to have patience.

"A great victory has come through the movement of students and the public… To make this victory consequential and meaningful, all must act unitedly and restore democracy. All need to prepare for elections, which is the first step to democracy," Fakhrul said quoting Tarique.

In reply to another question, he said it is a misconception that the BNP is prioritising election over reforming the state.

"The BNP had proposed to reform the state two years back. Elections need to be held after essential reforms."

He stated that it is challenging to solve the existing problems in Bangladesh without an elected government.

Speaking about the relationship between Bangladesh and India, he said the issues between the two countries need to to resolved through discussion.

Responding to a question from a journalist on the recent remarks by Adviser Nahid Islam that accused the political parties are trying to prove that the interim government has failed, Fakhrul said the adviser's comment is anti-political.

"Political parties have cooperated with the government and are doing so," he said.

Mirza Fakhrul said his London trip has been successful as he got to meet the BNP Acting Chairman Tarique. 

"Besides, I have spoken to expatriate Bangladeshis and BNP leaders... I have joined their meetings," he said.

"[I held] successful discussions with the press there. My London trip has been good and fruitful."

Fakhrul returned home from London today after completing a 10-day visit.

The BNP leader, accompanied by his wife Rahat Ara Begum, arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at 12:45pm, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.

During his stay in London, Fakhrul met party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to discuss political affairs.

He also participated in several party programmes and exchanged views with local journalists.

Sources within the party said Fakhrul and Tarique Rahman, along with local leaders, discussed the potential visit of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to London for medical treatment.

The 79-year-old former prime minister is expected to first receive treatment in the UK, and may then travel to the United States for further care.

The BNP has made all necessary arrangements for her to receive specialised treatment at an advanced medical centre abroad.