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Published : 01 Dec 2025, 04:55 PM
Law Advisor Asif Nazrul has hit out at speculation over why BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has not returned home despite his mother and former prime minister Khaleda Zia's ailing health, labelling it "distasteful".
The advisor assured the “highest cooperation” to ensure the security of Tarique, who has been in exile in London since 2008, if he returns home.
BNP chief Khaleda remains in a critical state at Dhaka's Evercare Hospital. Her deteriorating condition has prompted calls from some quarters for Tarique to return and be by her side.
BNP leaders, however, insist that security risks and political uncertainties continue to restrict his ability to travel back.
Asked about Tarique’s return and potential security threats, Advisor Asif said: “I don’t think there is any legal barrier preventing him from returning home. Even if there were any issue, we'd fully cooperate with him. We’ll provide the highest cooperation regarding his safety and security.”
“I believe, he has the ability to decide when it’s the right time. He’ll return home when the time is right.”
The advisor was critical of the growing public debate on the issue, saying:
“Many of us raise the question: 'Why doesn’t he come back?' I feel these questions are very distasteful. It’s a relationship between a mother and a son. It’s really inappropriate to speculate on whether there’s any instruction from Khaleda Zia, or Tarique Rahman has any personal considerations. They’ll know what is best."
Tarique, the eldest son of former president Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda, has been living in exile in London since 2008. He was sentenced to jail in several cases during Awami League’s rule. He has been acquitted in all the cases since the interim government took office. However, his continued absence has become a fresh point of political discussion as his mother’s condition remains serious.
