Tarique’s return depends on him, govt will facilitate if needed: Touhid
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday said the possible return of BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh depends entirely on his own decision, while the government will resolve any passport or travel document issues if required.
“Look, it’s his decision (when he will return to Bangladesh). He is a citizen of this country. He can come anytime. If there is any travel document-related problem, we will solve that—but he has to take the decision,” Touhid told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the evening.
Asked whether Tarique had applied for a passport, the adviser said the matter had not yet come to his notice. “We will extend the required cooperation when he is willing to come,” he added.
The comments came on the same day the Appellate Division upheld a High Court verdict that acquitted all convicts, including Tarique Rahman and former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzaman Babar, in the sensational August 21 grenade attack case. A seven-member bench headed by Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed passed the order, bringing an end to a long and politically charged legal battle.
No second letter seeking Hasina’s extradition
Touhid also said there had been no fresh development on Dhaka’s request for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in India since August 5 last year.
“There has been no second request letter from Dhaka as of now. We wrote once. If we write further, you will come to know,” he said.
Responding to a question on ties with New Delhi, the adviser noted: “There is no barrier from Dhaka for improving relations with India. But it needs both sides’ cooperation to agree on any issues.”
In July, Touhid reaffirmed that the government would continue to pursue Hasina’s extradition. Bangladesh had sent a diplomatic note (note verbale) to India in December last year, along with supporting documents, formally requesting her handover.
Political context
Tarique Rahman, who has been living in London since 2008, continues to play a central role in BNP politics as acting chairperson, while Khaleda Zia remains sidelined due to illness. His possible return has been a matter of speculation for years, with critics questioning whether he is willing to face trial in Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, the government’s push for Hasina’s extradition is seen as a politically sensitive move with potential implications for Bangladesh-India relations. Hasina, who ruled the country for 15 years until the interim government took over last year, faces multiple charges after her departure.
Analysts say the developments surrounding both leaders underscore the heightened political uncertainty as Bangladesh heads toward national elections under the interim government.