BNP to contest the national election under Tarique’s leadership, he says
A key BNP leader, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said today the party's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh very soon as all preparations are being completed.
"BNP will take part in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. We can say that he will return shortly. His home, his office...everything is ready," he told a press conference at a city hotel in Dhaka.
Khosru said he (Tarique) and the party have finalised the plans regarding his return. So, Tarique may come back at any time, he added.
On the question of whether Zubaida Rahman will come into politics, Khasru said, "It's her personal decision. She can answer that better. But we know Tarique Rahman is in the leadership of the BNP. He will return and lead the election."
"If we receive public support and form the next government, the cabinet will be formed under his leadership and the country will move forward," said the BNP leader.
When asked about BNP chief Khaleda Zia being taken abroad by air ambulance, he said, "The medical board will determine whether Khaleda Zia will travel abroad. The doctors are discussing the matter accordingly and will make decisions based on the situation," he said.
About the upcoming election, he said, "The sooner an elected government assumes power, the more the country will benefit."
People are in a state of indecision in the absence of an elected government, he said.
He said Khaleda Zia and party leaders and activists have long made sacrifices to ensure the people's right to vote.
Asked about BNP's position on alliance nominations in the next election, Khosru said, "Discussions regarding the electoral alliance and seat arrangements have not yet been completed. Dialogue and discussion are always part of democracy. These will continue," he said.
He added, "In elections, there is no middle ground between winning and losing. We are carefully evaluating who should be nominated -- inside or outside the party -- so that they can win. We are trying to finalize the nomination process as quickly as possible."
