Who Really Controls Tarique Rahman’s Homecoming

Tarique Rahman's comment that his return home is "not entirely a personal decision" amid his mother's critical illness has ignited fresh debate in Bangladesh's political circles. The statement raises questions: Why can't he come back, and who really calls the shots? BBC Bangla reports.

A BNP statement released Saturday morning said Tarique's desire to return for Khaleda Zia's dire condition is strong, but "a completely independent decision is not possible" due to the "sensitive nature" of the issue, precluding detailed explanation. Tarique himself posted the same on his verified Facebook page shortly after.

When journalists asked BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, he replied: "Everything is explained in Tarique Rahman's Facebook status."

From the government side, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam wrote on Facebook: "There is no ban or objection from the government on Tarique Rahman's return to the country."

Earlier, BNP leaders had repeatedly said Tarique would return in November. In an early October BBC Bangla interview, he expressed his "desire to return soon and participate in the election." Yet by late November, he himself admitted the decision is not fully in his hands.

Social media calls for Tarique to return intensified after Khaleda Zia's sudden deterioration and hospitalisation. On Friday, Fakhrul said doctors described her condition as "critical". The pleas grew louder.

Fifteen months have passed since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on 5 August 2024. During this period, Tarique Rahman and his wife Zubaida Rahman have secured stays in multiple cases against them. BNP has also applied for bulletproof vehicles and arms licences citing security concerns, as reported in the media. Thus, neither legal cases nor security appear to be visible barriers.

However, some BNP sources hint that "objections from a few powerful countries" might be at play, though they could not specify which countries or the nature of the objections.

Political analyst Mahiuddin Ahmed believes Tarique's remark clearly indicates that his return is not a purely personal choice, but influenced by external factors. He said: "WikiLeaks cables highlighted US objections, and India-US stances play a big role in Bangladesh politics."

Ahmed also recalled that during the 1/11 caretaker government, Tarique's alleged "pledge" was part of a broader "minus four" plan to sideline both major political families. With Sheikh Hasina out of power, "one minus has been achieved". Khaleda Zia's grave illness adds uncertainty around Tarique. "Whether the situation turns into minus four" will be revealed by time, he added.

Some BNP leaders, however, signal that regardless of the circumstances, Tarique will return once the election schedule is announced and lead the party in the polls.