Tarique Rahman’s Return and Political Activities
Tarique Rahman, the Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), made a late-night visit to Evercare Hospital on Sunday night to see his ailing mother and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. This visit marked the completion of his first full day of official party work after returning to the country.
Tarique left the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office after spending around nine hours there and immediately headed to Evercare Hospital. According to a statement from the BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan, he reached the hospital at approximately 11:35 pm. He departed the hospital at around 12:08 am for his residence on Gulshan Avenue. This was the third time Tarique has visited the hospital since his return to Bangladesh after nearly 17 years abroad.
Khaleda Zia has been receiving treatment at the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital in the Bashundhara residential area since November 23. Party sources have indicated that her condition remains very critical.
Recent Visits and Party Engagement
Earlier in the week, Tarique visited Evercare Hospital on Thursday night after addressing party leaders and supporters at the 300 Feet venue in the capital. He also visited the hospital again on Saturday night to inquire about his mother’s health.
On the same day, Tarique Rahman arrived at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office at around 1:40 pm for the first time since the office was established following the political changeover after 1/11. Senior party leaders, including Standing Committee members Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, welcomed him with a bouquet.
After exchanging greetings, Tarique went to his chamber on the second floor, where he held discussions with senior leaders on organisational issues, democracy, and the upcoming parliamentary election. Speaking to reporters later, Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain mentioned that this was the Acting Chairman’s first official working day at the party office. He added that they discussed election-related issues and decided to cooperate with the Election Commission, noting that it was not a formal Standing Committee meeting.
Electoral Campaigns and Organizational Efforts
In the evening, Tarique signed his nomination papers to contest the 13th national parliamentary election from Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6 constituencies with BNP’s electoral symbol, the Sheaf of Paddy. The nomination papers were signed at the Gulshan office in the presence of party coordinators from both constituencies.
For the Dhaka-17 constituency, BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Abdus Salam has been appointed chief coordinator, while Advisory Council member Prof Dr Farhad Halim Donar will also play a key coordinating role. Party sources stated that Tarique’s nomination papers for both seats will be submitted on Monday.
The 13th parliamentary election is scheduled to be held on February 12 next year. Meanwhile, Tarique also exchanged views with BNP leaders and activists, including those from associate bodies of the Dhaka-17 constituency, on organisational and election-related matters.
Return to Bangladesh and Public Reaction
Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh on Thursday, ending nearly 17 years abroad. His return has drawn widespread public attention and strong emotions among BNP leaders, activists, and supporters across the country.
