Photo: Collected
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will return to the country when all cases against him are withdrawn, the party's Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam said today. Speaking to reporters at the Dhaka airport after returning from his London trip, the BNP leader also said it is a misconception that the BNP is prioritising election over reforming the state.
"The BNP had proposed to reform the state two years back. Elections need to be held after essential reforms."
He stated that it is challenging to solve the existing problems in Bangladesh without an elected government. Speaking about the relationship between Bangladesh and India, he said the issues between the two countries need to to resolved through discussion.
Responding to a question from a journalist on the recent remarks by Adviser Nahid Islam that accused the political parties are trying to prove that the interim government has failed, Fakhrul said the adviser's comment is anti-political.
"Political parties have cooperated with the government and are doing so," he said. Fakhrul returned home from London today after completing a 10-day visit.
The BNP leader, accompanied by his wife Rahat Ara Begum, arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at 12:45pm, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.
During his stay in London, Fakhrul met party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to discuss political affairs. He also participated in several party programmes and exchanged views with local journalists.
Sources within the party said Fakhrul and Tarique Rahman, along with local leaders, discussed the potential visit of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to London for medical treatment. The 79-year-old former prime minister is expected to first receive treatment in the UK, and may then travel to the United States for further care.
The BNP has made all necessary arrangements for her to receive specialised treatment at an advanced medical centre abroad.
Messenger/JRTarek
