No Reason for Election to Halt if Tarique Rahman Does Not Return

Uncertainty has emerged in the political landscape regarding the return of BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman ahead of the forthcoming national election. Although senior leaders of the party have repeatedly stated that he would return soon, Tarique Rahman himself has recently hinted at obstacles to his return.

However, Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain does not believe that the election will stop or fail to proceed if Tarique Rahman does not come back to the country. He finds no justification for suspending a national election due to the absence of any individual.

On Monday (30 November), while 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 he did not believe the election would be halted or rendered unfair due to Tarique Rahman’s absence.

He added that if Tarique Rahman wished to return, a travel pass could be issued within a single day, and the government had placed no restrictions on his return.

Regarding the medical condition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Touhid Hossain said that she was very ill and currently not fit to be taken abroad. He added that if her condition improved and the party requested it, the government would extend its cooperation. Assistance was being provided as required.

Khaborwala/SS