Fakhrul Claims Poll Concerns Have Receded After Tarique Rahman’s Return

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said concerns surrounding the upcoming national election have largely subsided following the return of party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman from London.

Speaking to reporters on the Dhaka University campus before visiting the grave of July uprising leader Sharif Osman Hadi, Fakhrul acknowledged that conspiracies still persist in various forms.

“Conspiracies are always present, and it is impossible to anticipate everything in advance. However, Tarique Rahman’s return to the country has largely dispelled the conspiracies and apprehensions surrounding the election,” he said.

Fakhrul said Tarique Rahman demonstrated political wisdom by choosing to visit the grave of slain Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, adding that his return at a time of political uncertainty has helped ease the overall political situation.

“With his homecoming, the ideology of Bangladeshi nationalism has once again come to the forefront,” he said, describing nationalism as the most appropriate political philosophy for ensuring the people’s freedom and emancipation.

Referring to Tarique Rahman as the future prime minister, Fakhrul said his popularity has reached its peak and expressed hope that, combined with Tarique’s new ideas and plans, it would open a new chapter in the country’s politics.

He also voiced optimism that Tarique Rahman would achieve significant political success whenever the election is held.

On the third day of his return, Tarique Rahman visited Dhaka University and offered fateha at the grave of Sharif Osman Hadi. He also paid tribute at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam beside the Dhaka University Central Mosque.

Fakhrul arrived on the campus earlier to accompany Tarique Rahman.

Tarique returned to Bangladesh on Thursday after spending 17 years in exile. His homecoming has generated widespread attention and emotional responses among BNP leaders, activists and supporters nationwide, with party leaders describing the return as historic.