BNP’s Salahuddin rushes hunger-striking Tarek to hospital

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed rushed Aam Janatar Dal Member Secretary Tarek Rahman to hospital on Sunday night, after the latter’s health deteriorated during his prolonged hunger strike outside the Election Commission office in Dhaka.

Salahuddin arrived at the protest site shortly after 8:00pm and found Tarek in a severely weakened state after more than five days without food.

Responding to Salahuddin’s repeated insistence, Tarek finally agreed to receive medical treatment. Around 8:30pm, he was taken to Gonoshasthaya Hospital in an ambulance.

Speaking to reporters, Salahuddin Ahmed described Tarek as “a shining star of the anti-fascist movement,” saying, “Many of those who stood beside him have been martyred or maimed. Tarek himself has endured torture for his political beliefs.”

He added that the Aam Janatar Dal had applied for party registration to participate in the democratic process but was denied after long deliberations by the EC.

“We spoke to the Election Commission today to reconsider the party’s appeal,” Salahuddin said. “I have requested Tarek to end his hunger strike, and he has honoured that request. He has now been admitted to hospital.”

Salahuddin expressed hope that Tarek would recover soon and that the Election Commission would review the party’s application in the interest of democracy.