Tarique Rahman says return to BD not solely his decision

Staff Reporter :

Tarique Rahman has suggested that his long-awaited return to Bangladesh from London cannot be decided by him alone, even as his mother and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia remains critically ill in Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, the Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party Tarique Rahman wrote that his mother is “gravely ill and under intensive care”, adding that citizens across political lines have been praying for her recovery.

He said the Chief Adviser has “expressed his prayers” and assured full cooperation for her treatment, while medical teams at home and abroad continue to work with “deep sincerity and professionalism”.

Rahman thanked the public for their concern, saying the family was “deeply grateful” for the outpouring of support.

He added that the desire to be near his mother at such a moment is natural, but the decision to return is not only his to make.

“My wish to be by my mother’s side is intense, as it would be for any child,” he wrote. “But the opportunity to make that decision is not entirely mine and not fully within my control.”

“The scope to describe this sensitive matter in detail is limited. Our family remains hopeful that as soon as the political reality reaches the stage we expect, my long and anxious wait to return home will finally come to an end,” he added.

Following his remarks, questions were raised about whether any government restriction is preventing him from returning. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam dismissed the idea.

“There is no restriction or objection from the government regarding Tarique Rahman’s return,” he said.

Alam added that Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has already expressed “deep concern” over Khaleda Zia’s condition and has called on the public to pray for her recovery.