Entire Bangladesh is waiting for Tarique Rahman

SENIOR LEADERS LIKE former prime minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia have served as stabilising anchors for Bangladesh as the country emerges from the violent breakdown of its democratic system after the student-led protests of 2024. Khaleda, who rose to prominence after the turbulence that followed the 1981 assassination of her husband, president Ziaur Rahman, is passing her political legacy to her son Tarique Rahman, who has lived in exile in London since 2008. The shift to a new generation places Tarique at the centre of public expectations. His return to Dhaka will determine how effectively he can turn widespread frustration into political direction ahead of the elections in February. Dr Ziauddin Hyder, adviser to the BNP chairperson, says the whole country is waiting for him. He says the BNP's poll campaign will begin with a rally to honour the 1971 liberation war, Ziaur Rahman's role and the sacrifices of thousands of freedom fighters. Excerpts from an exclusive interview:

- NAMRATA BIJI AHUJA

How is Begum Khaleda Zia's health, and how are people in Bangladesh coping with the concern surrounding her condition?
Our leader, Khaleda Zia, has been suffering from multiple health issues and her condition remains critical and fragile. But, from the sources I know, most of her indicators improved from the day before yesterday to yesterday. We are hopeful that soon she will be able to travel to London to join her family—her son, our leader and acting chairman, and daughter-in-law, Dr Zubaida—who have been working 24 hours to ensure that Mrs Zia's treatment is well coordinated. They are drawing on expertise from around the world, including doctors from London, doctors from the US, and her personal medical team in Dhaka.

Who are the immediate family members with her in Dhaka, and are there plans for Tarique Rahman to return given his mother's health and the upcoming elections?
Her brother, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews are in Dhaka. She has her personal medical team, coordinated by Dr Zahid Hossain, who is also a member of the BNP standing committee. As our standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed noted, Tarique Rahman, our acting chair, may return anytime soon. The entire country is waiting. But of course, the final decision will be made by the family.

Tarique Rahman has hinted at uncontrollable factors delaying his return.
Of course, there are multiple reasons. And I am sure there are substantive reasons for him to make his decision. Nobody ignores the security threat, not even the government. The government has to do everything to ensure there is enough confidence and that unforeseeable and unknown risks are controlled. The political landscape is shifting rapidly with the Jamaat-e-Islami projected as a close second in some polls. When will the BNP start its full election campaign?