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Published : 30 Nov 2025, 06:59 PM
BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman could be issued a one-time pass to return to Bangladesh within a day if he wishes, Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain has said.
When a passport is absent or expired, the government can provide a one-time pass for a single entry, he added.
“This takes a day. If he says today that he wants to come [from London], perhaps tomorrow we can issue it and he could board the plane the day after. There is no difficulty. We can provide this,” the advisor said on Sunday.
The discussion came in the wake of a Saturday conversation concerning Khaleda Zia’s “critical” condition in the hospital and the “complications” surrounding Tarique’s potential return to Bangladesh.
On Facebook, Tarique had noted that the decision was “not solely within his control”.
Addressing questions about Tarique’s post on what were described as “sensitive” issues, Touhid said: “It is a sensitive matter… he said it himself, it was reported in the newspapers.
“To my knowledge, I can only say there are no restrictions from the Bangladesh government preventing his return.”
When asked whether any foreign pressure was involved, Touhid said: “It seems unusual that a citizen would be prevented from returning to their country. If Bangladesh wishes to allow it, another country cannot forbid it.”
On taking Khaleda abroad for medical treatment, he said the government would provide necessary support if her party arranges it.
“[Khaleda] is very ill and not currently in a condition to travel abroad. If her condition improves, she can be taken [overseas] for treatment. Management is arranging this, and we are supporting wherever needed.”
Khaleda, 79, has long battled arthritis, diabetes, and complications affecting her kidneys, liver, lungs, and eyes. On Nov 23, she was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara, Dhaka, after chest infections were detected during a routine health check-up.
Under the intensive supervision of a medical board led by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, her treatment continues.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, “I stayed at Evercare until 2am on Thursday. Doctors are providing intensive care. On Friday, her condition was described as extremely critical.”
