Tarique says decision to return home isn’t in his hands alone amid Khaleda’s health concerns

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has shed light on the “complications” surrounding his return to Bangladesh at a time he described as a “critical moment” for his ailing mother, party chief and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Tarique said the decision to return home was not “entirely within his control”.

He also expressed gratitude to people from all walks of life, irrespective of political affiliations, for their prayers and support for his mother, who remains in critical condition under hospital care.

“Like any child, I feel a deep longing to receive my mother’s affection in such a moment of crisis. But unlike others, I do not have unfettered or exclusive authority to make that decision,” Tarique wrote.

Describing the matter as “sensitive”, he said the family hoped the “long and anxious wait” for his return would end once the political situation allowed.

He appealed to the people of Bangladesh to pray for his mother, describing her condition as critical.

“Former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is seriously ill and in a critical state under intensive care in hospital. People from all walks of life, irrespective of political affiliation, have sincerely continued to pray for her recovery. The honourable chief advisor [Muhammad Yunus] has joined these prayers and has also pledged full support for her treatment.”

The 79-year-old former prime minister has long suffered from multiple chronic health issues, including arthritis, diabetes and complications involving her kidneys, liver, lungs and eyes.

She was taken to Dhaka's Evercare Hospital on Nov 23 for tests, where doctors identified a chest infection and admitted her for intensive treatment. A medical board led by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder is overseeing her care.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Friday that her condition was “extremely critical”, adding that doctors were keeping her under close observation.

Tarique said doctors in Bangladesh and abroad were providing care with “the highest level of professionalism and sincerity”, and that several friendly countries had expressed willingness to assist with advanced medical support.

“On behalf of the Zia family, I extend our heartfelt thanks and deep gratitude to everyone for their prayers and love for the widely respected Begum Khaleda Zia. At the same time, I earnestly request everyone to continue praying for her swift recovery.”