BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has said he intends to return to Bangladesh and be present "among the people" when the country holds its much-anticipated national elections.
In a video interview aired by BBC Bangla on Monday, Tarique Rahman, who has lived in London since 2008, suggested that his long-awaited return to domestic politics may be imminent.
"Perhaps there were valid reasons why I haven't returned until now," he said. "But I feel the time has come. Inshallah, I will return very soon."
Pressed on why he has remained abroad despite the political upheaval of the past year, Tarique Rahman acknowledged the expectations surrounding his re-engagement in national politics.
He also said: "Politics and elections are inseparable from political parties and activists. Since I am in politics and consider myself a political activist, how can I stay away from a people’s election, one the nation has long awaited? I will do everything possible. I will have the will, the interest—Inshallah, I will be with the people."
Tarique Rahman, who faces multiple convictions in absentia in Bangladesh and has been labeled a fugitive by authorities, also addressed the restrictions he says have hindered his ability to engage with the media.
"During the previous autocratic regime, a court order effectively barred me from speaking publicly," he said. "Even if I wanted to make a statement and media outlets were willing to publish it, they were legally prevented from doing so."
He recounted an incident at the Dhaka Press Club where, following a speech he delivered, the club’s leadership convened and resolved that someone legally considered a fugitive should not be permitted to speak there. "They tried to silence me that way," Tarique Rahman said. "But I continued to speak—through social media and other platforms. I tried to reach the people, and Inshallah, I believe I have."
He rejected suggestions that he has remained silent in exile. "I did speak. Maybe you didn’t hear it, maybe you couldn’t publish it, but I did not remain silent," he insisted.
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