Tarique Rahman set to return in the guise of a hero

During the long period of repression under what many described as Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian rule, BNP Chairperson and three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was kept in prison for years under what her party and supporters maintain were false or politically motivated cases.

According to some, her health deteriorated in custody due to inadequate medical care, leading to multiple complications including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver and kidney problems. Over time, her mobility sharply declined and she frequently required emergency hospitalisation. Most recently, on the night of 23 November 2025, she was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka in a critical condition. Doctors have said she is suffering from infections affecting her heart and lungs and is now passing through a grave health crisis.

Despite his wish to return, her elder son and BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, currently in London, has not been able to come home. Family and senior party sources say that although he is under immense emotional pressure, serious security concerns, international factors and the country’s political realities remain major obstacles to his return.

In a message posted on social media on 29 November 2025, Tarique Rahman wrote with deep sorrow: “In such a crisis, the longing for a mother’s touch is no different for me than for any other son. But due to the complexities of the situation, this is not a decision I can take alone. Given the sensitivity, I cannot elaborate. When political conditions permit, I hope my long wait to return home will come to an end.” He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Bangladesh for their prayers for his mother’s recovery.

At this difficult time, some political opponents and social media activists have criticised him harshly. Among them is Shishir Monir, a Jamaat-affiliated lawyer and nominee for the upcoming elections, who wrote on Facebook: “If I were in Tarique Rahman’s place, I would have returned to my mother long ago without hesitation.” Such remarks, critics say, appear more performative than sincere.

The public knows the Zia family to be close-knit and affectionate. After the assassination of President Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia raised her two sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren together. No internal discord or hostility ever came to light. Tarique Rahman and his brother Arafat Rahman Koko were inseparable—studying, travelling and performing religious duties side by side. Both were deeply devoted to their mother.

On 7 March 2007, during the state of emergency, security forces arrested Tarique Rahman without a warrant. He later suffered serious injuries while in state custody and became critically ill. Even during that period, he repeatedly enquired about his detained mother and applied in writing for permission to see her.

Another devastating blow came on 24 January 2015, when his younger brother Koko passed away suddenly. Tarique Rahman was left shattered. Those close to him say that the grief still lingers in his silence.

Given this history, it is unfair to suggest he does not want to see his mother. According to BNP leaders, efforts by a neighbouring country and certain groups at home and abroad continue to create barriers to his return. Past political assassinations in South Asia—from Indira and Rajiv Gandhi to Benazir Bhutto and President Ziaur Rahman—underscore the risks.

A member of the BNP’s National Standing Committee has said, “Tarique Rahman’s safety is not merely a domestic issue; it has international dimensions. A single wrong step could lead to disaster.” Although preparations such as enhanced security and official permissions have been considered, nothing is yet assured. Additionally, Tarique Rahman, who holds ILR status in the UK, would need to overcome several administrative hurdles, including travel documents, and the legal status of the cases against him remains uncertain.

Given these realities, the lawyer’s critical remarks appear politically motivated. In 2023, at a rally in Dhaka, Sheikh Hasina questioned why Tarique was not visiting his ill mother, while expressing outward willingness for him to return. BNP leaders believe this was part of a broader plan to endanger him upon arrival, with the aim of weakening the BNP.

Now, similar narratives are resurfacing. Do those spreading them want Tarique Rahman to face the same fate as his father? Would eliminating rivals make their politics easier?

If they had gratitude, they would remember past events: when Begum Khaleda Zia was evicted from her Dhaka Cantonment residence, when she was imprisoned, when Tarique Rahman was forced into exile in frail health, when she was blockaded by trucks. Where were these critics then?

For 16 years, during BNP’s hardships, the party stood by Jamaat, without which the former government could have eliminated them politically. Jamaat conducted limited street movements, whereas under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the BNP prepared the ground year after year—paving the way for the mass uprising of July 2024 that restored democratic space in Bangladesh.

But now, some groups are trying to use Begum Khaleda Zia’s illness to advance their own interests. On 3 December, NCP Convener Nahid Islam urged the Election Commission to consider her health before announcing the election schedule—an unnecessary suggestion that could destabilise the country and harm the economy. Investment has already fallen, and the IMF has stated future loan instalments require an elected government. At this juncture, forming a democratic government is essential.

The BNP will not remain silent. Vice-Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu has said, “When we are assured everything is safe, we will bring Tarique Rahman home.”

Tarique Rahman will return—not secretly, but openly, with dignity. When he does, many believe the nation will rejoice, and those who conspired against him will be left disappointed.

Author: Senior journalist, Convener of We Are BNP Family and member of the BNP Media Cell