Rajshahi, Dec 17 (V7N) – Bangladesh is set to witness what could become a historic moment on December 25, as BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to return to the country after nearly 18 years, according to a senior party leader.

The remarks were made by Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon, Joint Secretary for Relief and Rehabilitation of the BNP National Executive Committee, former General Secretary of Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP, and BNP-nominated parliamentary candidate for the Paba–Mohanpur constituency. He was speaking as the chief guest at a day-long sports competition, cultural program, and prize-giving ceremony organized by Bildharmapur Janakalyan Jubo Sangha at the Bildharmapur Government Primary School field in Paba Upazila on the occasion of Victory Day.

Advocate Milon said Tarique Rahman, the eldest son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, was arrested and allegedly subjected to severe mistreatment during the caretaker government period led by Moinuddin-Fakhruddin around 18 years ago. As his health deteriorated, he left for London for medical treatment after completing certain legal procedures and has remained there since. He alleged that the previous government did not allow him to return to Bangladesh and forced him to stay abroad through various pressures.

He further said that speculation regarding Tarique Rahman’s return intensified after August 5 last year, and that all rumors and uncertainties would come to an end if the situation remained normal, as he is expected to return home on Thursday, December 25.

Referring to the spirit of the Liberation War, Advocate Milon said Bangladesh’s independence did not come easily. He recalled that former President Ziaur Rahman had declared independence while serving as a major, uniting the nation at a critical moment and participating directly in the war. He said that after nine months of struggle and sacrifice by the people of Bangladesh, the Pakistani forces were defeated and the red-and-green flag of an independent Bangladesh was achieved.

He also spoke about the health condition of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, stating that she is seriously ill and currently receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital. He sought prayers from the public for her recovery.

Advocate Milon said BNP believes in accountability to the people, describing it as the core principle of empowerment. He noted that Tarique Rahman has announced a 31-point reform agenda to ensure accountability in governance. He added that the party plans to contest the upcoming parliamentary elections in three constituencies.

Outlining BNP’s development agenda, he said that if the party comes to power, it would introduce family cards, agriculture cards, measures to reduce unemployment, establish and reform religious and educational institutions, improve road infrastructure, expand healthcare services, and implement a demand-based education system. He concluded by seeking prayers and support for the party’s electoral symbol, the sheaf of paddy.

The event was presided over by local social worker Alhaj Abul Kalam Government. Special guests included Paba Upazila BNP Joint Convener Abdus Salam Master, Darshanpara Union BNP Member Secretary Rafiqul Islam, Joint Convener Murshed Ali Master, former Darshanpara Union Parishad Chairman and BNP leader Ramzan Ali, Panel Chairman Azad Ali, former principal Abdul Mannan, Jubo Dal leader Kamaruzzaman Master, Paba Upazila Chhatra Dal Member Secretary Hafizur Rahman Hafiz, and Darshanpara Union Parishad member Rahidul Islam.

Leaders and activists from BNP and its affiliated organizations, along with teachers and students of the school, attended the program. In the evening, a stage play titled Protest Against Injustice, written and directed by Ujjal Hossain, was performed as part of the Victory Day celebrations.

END/MRA/SMA/