Tarique Rahman expresses gratitude for 'unity and solidarity' in difficult time

"We continue to pray for the speedy recovery of the compassionate leader of the nation," he says

Tarique Rahman, the son of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia - who is undergoing treatment in a hospital, has expressed his gratitude to everyone for wishing for his mother’s recovery.

The BNP acting chairman said in a Facebook post on Tuesday: "The widespread expressions of concern from leaders, diplomats, and friends across the world, as well as the overwhelming love and prayers from the people of Bangladesh have been incredible."

Khaleda was taken to Evercare Hospital on the night of Nov 23 for a health check-up, but she was admitted after a chest infection was detected.

When her physical condition deteriorated around 3:30am on Monday, she was put on “special care” at the hospital.

A senior BNP leader said Tarique is preparing to return to Dhaka and they hope a new Bangladeshi passport will be issued for him soon.

The interim government’s foreign advisor has already said if Tarique wants to return to the country, the government will issue a travel pass within a day.

Those close to Tarique, however, say that although the advisor spoke of a one-time travel pass, the BNP acting chairman wants to return with a Bangladeshi passport.

Expressing gratitude to everyone on behalf of the Zia family and the BNP, he wrote on Facebook: "This collective support has been a source of immense strength for all of us. We continue to pray for her recovery and appreciate the unity, compassion, and solidarity shown during this difficult moment.”

Tarique went to London for advanced treatment after his release from prison in 2008. He has been living in exile there for the past 17 years.