Fakhrul reacts to Quader’s objection over Tarique

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has reacted to the objection raised by ruling party leader Obaidul Quader over Tarique Rahman.

“It is our business with who we will discuss the selection of candidates for the election,” Fakhrul said, apparently snapping over Quader’s remarks.

Speaking to reporters after interviewing his party’s candidates at Gulshan, Fakhrul alleged that the Election Commission itself is violating electoral code.

“The commission is not creating any level-playing field and turning the polls-time government into a neutral one,” he alleged. “The media, news gencies and some private TV channels are playing a biased role in favour of Awami League.”

WHAT DID QUADER SAY?

BNP has been interviewing its candidates at Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan office. Tarique Rahman, the party’s acting chairman, currently abroad, took part through video conference.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader raised an objection on this point, saying Tarique is a convict in three cases. He asked the Election Commission to take a not on this.

WHY IS TARIQUE ‘TABOO’?

Tarique has been living in London for the last nine years.

Convicted in several cases (in absentia) including that of the sensational August 21 grenade attack, he does not have any valid Bangladeshi travel document.

He had handed over his passport to the UK Home Office almost four years ago.

The UK Home Office sent his passport to the Bangladesh High Commission. He has to apply for a new passport to return home, according a UNB report.

Bangladesh government wants to bring Tarique back and face punishment he received in three separate cases, including the Zia Orphanage and Zia Charitable Trust graft cases.