Travel pass can be issued in a day if Tarique wants to return: Touhid
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has said that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman can be issued a travel pass within a single day if he decides to return to Bangladesh, adding that there are no barriers to his homecoming.
He made the remarks while speaking to reporters at a session titled “Bangladesh's Foreign Policy: Defining a Relevant Role in a Changing World,” organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the National Press Club on Sunday (November 30).
Touhid Hossain also said the interim government would extend all necessary cooperation if BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia needs to travel abroad for medical treatment.
His comments came a day after Tarique Rahman posted on his verified Facebook page that his return did not depend solely on him. In the post, made on Saturday, November 29, he expressed deep emotional concern over his mother’s deteriorating health.
“Like any child, I have a strong desire to receive the affection and touch of my mother during a crisis,” he wrote. “But, like everyone else, my decision-making power is not unlimited and not solely under my control.”
Responding to a question, Touhid Hossain said he only learned from the media about Tarique Rahman’s reported interest in returning.
When asked whether Tarique had submitted any application to the Foreign Ministry or a foreign mission, he replied: “I do not have any such information.”
On questions surrounding Tarique Rahman’s political or legal status, he said, “This is a sensitive issue. What he said has already appeared in the newspapers.”
Touhid also dismissed claims that foreign governments or intelligence agencies were opposed to Tarique’s return.
“We have received no such message,” he said. “A citizen being barred from returning to his own country does not sound natural to me. If Bangladesh wants to allow its citizens to return, no other country can prevent it.”
Asked whether Tarique Rahman’s possible absence could affect the upcoming national elections –especially amid Khaleda Zia’s illness – Touhid said he saw no reason for concern.
“I don’t think it’s right to assume that elections won’t be held or won’t be fair if Tarique Rahman doesn’t return. I don’t see any reason to think the elections will be stopped due to the absence of one person. Let’s see what happens in the end.”
Regarding Khaleda Zia’s health, the adviser said she remains very ill.
“At the moment, she is not in a condition to be taken abroad,” he said. “If her health improves even a little, the government will cooperate. We are providing whatever assistance is needed.”
The adviser iterated that the government’s stance remains consistent: Tarique Rahman may return any time he chooses, and the administration stands ready to assist with any formal requirements.