Decision to return not solely in my hands
BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has said he longs to be by his ailing mother Khaleda Zia in this hour of crisis, but returning to Bangladesh is not entirely in his hands.
"At such a moment of crisis, like any child, I too have a strong longing to feel my mother's loving touch. But unlike others, the opportunity for me to make an independent decision in this regard [returning] is neither unrestricted nor fully within my control," he wrote on his verified Facebook page yesterday.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. "The sensitivity of this matter also limits the scope for detailed explanation. Our family remains hopeful that once the current political realities reach the expected stage, my long and anxious wait to return to my homeland will finally come to an end."
He explained his situation in relation to returning to Bangladesh as his mother -- former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia --remains critically ill and under intensive medical supervision at a Dhaka hospital.
Citizens from all walks of life, irrespective of political affiliation, have continued to offer earnest prayers for her recovery, he wrote, adding, "The honourable chief adviser has not only prayed for her healing but also expressed a commitment to ensuring every possible support for her treatment."
Tarique further said medical teams at home and abroad have been providing highly professional and dedicated care. Several friendly nations have expressed their willingness to extend all possible cooperation, including advanced medical support.
"The Zia family conveys its heartfelt thanks and deep gratitude to everyone for their sincere prayers and affection for the highly respected Begum Khaleda Zia. At the same time, we earnestly request all to keep praying for her swift recovery."
Meanwhile, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on his Facebook page yesterday said there was no restriction or objection from the interim government regarding Tarique Rahman's return to the country.
He said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has already expressed deep concern about the physical condition of the BNP chairperson and sought prayers for her from the people of the country.
Earlier, at the weekly advisory council meeting, prayers were offered for Khaleda's speedy recovery.
Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain conducted the munajat.
Khaleda was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 on the advice of her medical board after being diagnosed with infections in heart and lungs.
She is also suffering from pneumonia and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital's Coronary Care Unit under the supervision of both local and foreign specialists.
Khaleda, 80, has long been suffering from multiple health complications, including liver cirrhosis and kidney issues. She has a permanent pacemaker and previously underwent stenting for her heart.
On Friday night, medical board sources said her kidneys are not functioning properly.
They said that if her condition permits, they may attempt to send her to the UK for advanced treatment; if that is not possible, Singapore is being considered.
Comments