The BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) has expressed its gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for his “thoughtful message and kind wishes for the speedy recovery of Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia … BNP deeply appreciates this gesture of goodwill and the expression of readiness to extend support.”
Earlier Modi had offered all help including treatment in India for the ailing former prime minister of Bangladesh, now on ventilator in a Dhaka hospital for treatment of infected lungs and heart.
Her London-based son Tarique Rahman who is acting chairman of the BNP, posted this on Facebook: “I want to take a moment, on behalf of the Zia family and BNP, to give our most profound thanks for the remarkable outpouring of support for Begum Khaleda Zia’s recovery. This collective support has been a source of immense strength for all of us.”
The million dollar question was when and if her son could return home and take over the leadership of the party with elections looming large in February.
Intriguing are reports in the Dhaka Tribune quoting BNP leaders as citing “practical limitations and complexities” delaying his return. It said “a few powerful countries have expressed reservations about his return.”
Prof KMM Rahman of Dhaka University’s Political Science Department said “Tarique Rahman’s return is not a personal or family issue; it is a political matter—highly sensitive in nature.”
Is the US objecting? It is widely believed that the CIA had a role in engineering the mass uprising that led to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster last year. The US is apparently backing the Jammat-e-Islami even though it wants sharia law in Bangladesh.
Historically, the Jammat has fared poorly in elections but this time it could be different. Interim leader Mohammad Yunus has favoured the Jammat, revoking the ban on it and its student wing the Islami Chhatra Shibir. He then banned the Awami League and its student wing.
So the return of Tarique Rahman could overturn this favourable scenario. He could galvanise his cadre and with the Awami League out of the poll fray, could swing voters to his party’s side. Add to that, his mother is seriously ill and if she passes away, public sentiment could swing massively in favour of her grieving son.
Other obstacles in Tarque’s way are not seen as serious: the interim government has said a travel pass could be issued to him at short notice (indicating that his Bangladesh passport may have expired).
Although not a registered voter, the Election Commission can easily make good that discrepancy. He can also stand for election.
There maybe corruption cases against him although that is not clear. He did spend 18 months in jail on graft charges before going into exile in 2008.
