Political uncertainty has arisen regarding the return of BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman ahead of the forthcoming national election. Although leaders of the party at various levels have long been stating that he will return soon, Tarique Rahman himself has recently hinted at obstacles to his return.
However, Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain does not consider the notion realistic that the election would be halted or fail to take place if Tarique Rahman does not return. According to him, there is no reason for a national election to be suspended due to the absence of any particular individual.
On Monday (30 November), responding to questions from journalists at a session titled ‘Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy: Defining a Relevant Role in a Changing World’, organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the National Press Club, he made these remarks.
When asked whether there was any concern regarding the upcoming election in light of BNP’s statements about Tarique Rahman’s return, the Foreign Affairs Adviser said that the election would take place and would be conducted fairly even if Tarique Rahman did not return—he firmly believed this.
He further added that if Tarique Rahman wished to return, a travel pass could be issued within a single day, and the government had imposed no restrictions on his return.
Regarding the treatment of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Touhid Hossain said that she was seriously ill and currently not in a condition to be taken abroad. He added that if her condition improved and the BNP requested assistance, the government would cooperate. Necessary support was already being provided.
SS