‘InshaAllah I will return to Bangladesh soon’, says Tarique Rahman

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has given his first face-to-face media interview in nearly two decades, in which he spoke about his possible return to Bangladesh. The interview was published on Monday, October 6, morning.

Speaking to BBC Bangla Editor Mir Sabbir and Senior Journalist Qadir Kallol, Tarique Rahman expressed his intention to return soon.

Asked why he has not returned yet, he replied, “Perhaps for some valid reasons it has not been possible. But I feel the time has come. InshaAllah, I will return soon.”

When pressed further about the timing, he reiterated, “Very soon, InshaAllah.”

On whether he would return before the election, Tarique Rahman said, “As a political activist, it is only natural that I cannot remain away when a people’s election takes place. My utmost effort, desire and interest will be to be with the people when that expected election happens, InshaAllah.”

In response to concerns over security threats, he said, “We have often heard about such concerns from various individuals, even from some in the government. Many such apprehensions have been voiced through different channels.”

At the start of the interview, he noted, “Physically I may have been here for 17 years, but mentally and emotionally, I have always been in Bangladesh.”

Explaining his long absence from the media, Tarique Rahman said, “It’s not that I haven’t spoken. Since taking on the party’s responsibilities, I have spoken with leaders, activists and people at different levels. It’s just that perhaps my words could not always be published or broadcast due to restrictions imposed at that time.”

He recalled being barred from speaking at the Press Club, where a resolution was passed not to allow him a platform as he was then termed a ‘fugitive’. Despite such barriers, he said he continued to reach people through various means including social media.