Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chair Tarique Rahman said that, like any son, he had a deep longing to feel his mother’s affectionate touch in such a difficult time, but the decision to return to Bangladesh was not entirely his to make, nor was it fully in his control.
BNP chair and former prime minister Khaleda Zia remains under treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Citing doctors, the party on Friday stated that her condition was ‘highly critical’.
Following disclosures about her deteriorating health, political discussions have intensified over whether her son, Tarique Rahman, would return to the country.
On Saturday morning, Tarique Rahman gave a post on Facebook, expressing the family’s gratitude for the prayers and affection shown towards his ailing mother and urging everyone to continue praying for her recovery.
Regarding being at his mother’s side, he wrote that this was a sensitive matter with little scope for elaboration, but that the family remained hopeful that, once the prevailing political realities reached a more favourable stage, his long and anxious wait to return home would finally come to an end.
In his Facebook post, Tarique, too, said that Khaleda Zia was critically ill and receiving intensive care in the hospital.
Citizens from all walks of life, regardless of political affiliation, have continued to pray sincerely for her recovery.
The chief adviser also expressed prayers for her wellbeing and pledged maximum support for her treatment.
Medical teams at home and abroad, Tarique said, are providing highly professional and dedicated care.
Several friendly states have also conveyed their willingness to extend all possible assistance, including advanced medical support, the post read.
On behalf of the Zia family, Tarique expressed deep gratitude to everyone for their heartfelt prayers and love for Khaleda Zia.
Following the BNP acting chair’s post regarding his return to Bangladesh, the chief adviser’s press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, said in a Facebook post on Saturday evening that there were no restrictions or objections from the government in this regard.
Tarique Rahman, the eldest son of former prime minister and BNP chair Khaleda Zia, had been sentenced in at least five cases to different jail terms, including life imprisonment, and had faced 15 other cases, mostly filed during the 2007–2008 military-backed caretaker government.
He was arrested during an anti-corruption crackdown in March 2007 and released on bail in September 2008.
Following his release, Tarique left Bangladesh for London on September 11, 2008 for medical treatment and has remained in the United Kingdom for the past 17 years.
The High Court acquitted Tarique, clearing him of all cases lodged against him in 2007–08 and also under the Awami League regime, following the fall of the AL government amid the July uprising on August 5, 2024.
