Tarique Rahman Expresses Regret to Former Army Official

Dhaka, Bangladesh: BNP’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, has formally expressed his regret to Major General (Retd.) Fatemi Rumi, former Director General of the Special Security Force (SSF), during a meeting with retired military personnel in Gulshan, Dhaka, on the evening of 9 December.

The meeting, held at the BNP Chairperson’s political office, was attended by 101 retired officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. It was presided over by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and coordinated by Major General (Retd.) Fazle Elahi Akbar. Tarique Rahman participated virtually from London.

During his address, Tarique Rahman recounted a personal incident from the past, stating:

“I wish to mention this on a personal note. During my mother’s tenure, you, Rumi Sahib, were with the DGSS. You may remember a procession from Old Dhaka to Amin Bazar, where I walked alongside my mother, Begum Khaleda Zia. There was considerable crowd and chaos, and I did not handle some aspects properly. For that, I am very sorry.”

He acknowledged that he had attempted for a long time to convey his apology, but had only now found the opportunity. He also emphasised his hope for continued cooperation and goodwill from the attendees.

Speaking about his mother, he noted her dedication even when unwell:

“Before she fell seriously ill, my mother attended the Armed Forces Day reception on the 21st. Despite her health, she gave her utmost effort, demonstrating her steadfast commitment. This reflects the respect and understanding our family holds towards the defence services—Army, Navy, and Air Force alike.”

Tarique Rahman further clarified misconceptions from the past, stating that negative perceptions during previous authoritarian regimes regarding BNP and the Zia family were artificially constructed. He expressed hope that sharing his personal experience would clear misunderstandings.

Other distinguished speakers included: Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram, Lt. Colonel (Retd.) Shamsuzzoha, Major (Retd.) Reza Karim, Major (Retd.) Samsuzzoha, Major (Retd.) Jamal Haider, Major (Retd.) Azizul Haque, Colonel (Retd.) Harunur Rashid, Air Commodore (Retd.) Shafiq Ahmed, Rear Admiral (Retd.) Mostafiz, Lieutenant Colonel (Retd.) Zainal Abedin, Colonel (Retd.) Jaglul, Lieutenant (Retd.) Imran Kajol, Major (Retd.) Golam Mannan Chowdhury, Captain (Retd.) Rezaur Rahman, Major General (Retd.) Jamil D. Ahsan Bir Pratik, Colonel (Retd.) Hannan Mridha.

The gathering served as a reconciliation and dialogue platform, reflecting Tarique Rahman’s efforts to strengthen ties between the BNP leadership and the retired defence community, while providing clarity on historical perceptions of the party’s relationship with the armed forces.