With BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in critical condition at Evercare Hospital, speculation has intensified over whether her elder son and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman is preparing to return to Bangladesh.
Sources claim he may leave London on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight on Sunday afternoon and arrive in Dhaka on Monday. However, UK BNP leaders have not been able to confirm any such preparations.
In a Facebook post on Saturday morning, Tarique Rahman wrote: “Like any child, I have a strong desire to receive my mother’s affection during such a crisis. But like everyone else, my ability to make and implement decisions is not unlimited or solely my own. The time to elaborate on this sensitive issue is also limited. Our family is optimistic that my long anxious wait for my return home will end as soon as the political reality reaches the expected level.”
He also expressed gratitude on behalf of the Zia family for the prayers and concern shown for Khaleda Zia.
Speculation about Tarique Rahman’s return began circulating on social media soon after Khaleda Zia was admitted to hospital. Yet no one has been able to confirm a final date or itinerary. UK BNP President MA Malek is currently in Bangladesh, and as of early Saturday London time, UK BNP General Secretary Koysor M Ahmed had not provided any information on the matter.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has flights from London to Dhaka on both Saturday and Sunday. Attempts to reach the airline’s London office to verify whether a booking had been made under Tarique Rahman’s name went unanswered.
Several UK BNP leaders close to Tarique Rahman are eager to return with him, though it remains unclear who — if anyone — will travel with him in the current situation. Some are preparing to travel separately on different transit routes.
Nasrullah Khan Junaid, a member of the Dhaka University Senate and a leader of the 1990s student movement, told this correspondent: “As far as we know, the leader is going home as soon as possible to see his mother — that is for sure. We should all remember that he loves his mother more than any of us.”
Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23. Medical Board member Prof FM Siddiqui later said she is suffering from a chest infection and remains under close observation in the CCU.
