TDS Desk:

BNP acting chairperson Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh in December, his foreign affairs adviser Humayun Kabir has said.

Speaking to the media after a civic gathering in Sylhet on Thursday afternoon (August 7), Kabir said, “The schedule for the next parliamentary election will likely be announced towards the end of the year.

“Based on that, Tarique Rahman is expected to return between November and December. His security is being taken with the utmost seriousness.”

He added, “The international community has shown increased interest in BNP, and under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the party will participate in the upcoming elections.

“If the BNP wins the election and forms the government, he will be the next prime minister,” Kabir said.

Referring to a recent meeting with the US ambassador, Kabir said, “The meeting was primarily a courtesy call, but discussions included the current political situation in Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman’s views, and his vision for governing the state if elected.”

On Thursday 7 August Kabir said, “Once the schedule for the 13th national parliamentary election is officially announced, he [Tarique] will return.”

When asked about the delay in his return, he said, “There have been security concerns surrounding his return. Although the risks still remain, he will come back.”

He also mentioned Tarique’s plans to contest in the upcoming election and does not currently face any legal barriers to his candidacy.

Tarique Rahman was arrested during the caretaker government in 2007. The following year, he was granted bail and compelled to leave the country. Since he has been living in exile in London for the past seventeen years, leading the BNP from abroad.