Dhaka, November 17
The United Kingdom has expressed its willingness to assist Bangladesh in the repatriation of Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Catherine West, the UK’s Minister for the Indo-Pacific, made this statement following a meeting with Bangladesh’s foreign affairs advisor Md. Touhid Hossain on Sunday.
During the meeting, West clarified that while no specific individuals were discussed, the UK would cooperate if the Bangladesh government requests Rahman’s return. She also highlighted that the main focus of their conversation was supporting democracy in Bangladesh and ensuring equal political opportunities for all. West expressed the UK’s deep interest in Bangladesh’s democratic future and hopes that Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus could play a role in shaping a framework for this.
Tarique Rahman fled to London in 2008 after being released on bail following his arrest during the military-backed caretaker government. He has since led BNP’s political activities from abroad. In 2009, the U.S. imposed sanctions on him, which remain in effect.
Rahman, who took over as acting chairman of the BNP in 2018 after his mother, Khaleda Zia, was imprisoned, has been the subject of growing speculation regarding his return to Bangladesh. However, no official move has been made by the interim government to facilitate his repatriation. Rahman faces life imprisonment for his role in the 2004 grenade attack on a political rally and has been convicted in several corruption cases. He remains in the UK as a fugitive.
