Tarique likely to return next year: Hafizuddin

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to return to Bangladesh next year, before the potential national elections, BNP Standing Committee Member Maj (retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed said on Monday.

"Tarique Rahman will return next year. We are anticipating elections during that time, and we hope he comes back before the polls," Hafizuddin said during a press briefing at his Gulshan residence.

"Tarique Rahman still has four cases against him. Party leaders and activists are very excited because the path for his return has become much smoother. We hope these cases will be resolved soon," he added.

Hafizuddin also claimed Tarique was "intentionally implicated" in the August 21 grenade attack case.

Addressing the country's current situation, Hafizuddin criticised the interim government and expressed concern over law and order, high commodity prices, and political instability.

"The law and order situation has significantly deteriorated, and people are struggling to cope with skyrocketing prices," he said, blaming what he termed "agents of the fallen Awami League government".

He accused some intellectuals of undermining democracy, saying, "There are intellectuals who argue democracy is unnecessary and prioritise reforms regardless of democratic principles."

Hafizuddin also alleged that the Awami League was conspiring with foreign actors, particularly India.

"We urge the Indian government to send Sheikh Hasina back if the interim government requests her return. She has countless cases, including murder charges," he added.