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Tarique Rahman Sought Prayers for His Mother and Younger Brother
Rtv News
25 Jan 2025, 11:09
Photo: Collected
The Acting Chairman of BNP, Tarique Rahman, stated that his mother, the country’s leader Begum Khaleda Zia, has come to London for treatment. He requested everyone to pray for her and also to pray sincerely for his late younger brother, Arafat Rahman Koko.
He made these remarks during a prayer gathering held in East London at Brick Lane Mosque on January 24, to mark the death anniversary of his late brother, Arafat Rahman Koko.
Tarique Rahman further stated, “Since August 5, there has been a political change in Bangladesh, and there might be many more changes to come in the future. Along with this, the expectations of the general public will also increase. We must work towards fulfilling those expectations.”
He added, “Our country was made independent through the sacrifices of the freedom fighters in 1971. I request all of you to remember in our prayers those who sacrificed their lives for the independence of Bangladesh.”
The Acting Chairman of BNP emphasized, “Since the independence of the country, especially after 1990, and later the tyrants who fled the country, many leaders and workers of BNP and other opposition parties have been martyred or have disappeared in the last 15 years. Please pray for them.”
He continued, “It’s not just political workers, but many common people have also been tortured and oppressed. Let us pray for them too.”
Tarique Rahman mentioned, “During the July-August movement, nearly two thousand people were martyred, and over 30,000 were injured. Today, let us offer heartfelt prayers for all the martyrs and the injured. Let us work so that we can give the people of Bangladesh the country they expect.”
The event was attended by the President of UK BNP, MA Malek, General Secretary Koyser M Ahmed, BNP Standing Committee Member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, and others.
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Harish Chowdhury to Be Buried Today
Harish Chowdhury, the former political secretary to BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, will be laid to rest today.
On Saturday (December 28), following identification, his body was handed over to police and family members by Dhaka Medical College Hospital authorities at midnight.
Present at the time were the case investigation officer, SI Md. Wazed Ali, Harish Chowdhury’s daughter Barrister Samira Tanzin Chowdhury, and other family members.
Samira Tanzin Chowdhury stated, “For 15 years, my father was misrepresented. Finally, justice has been served.”
She added that her father would be buried with due honor on Sunday (December 29) in Kanaighat, Sylhet.
Paying tribute to those killed and injured in the July uprising, Harish’s daughter said, “Their sacrifice made my battle easier.”
It is worth noting that Harish Chowdhury passed away on September 3, 2021. His identity was kept hidden, and he was buried under the name of Professor Mahmudur Rahman in the premises of Jamia Khatamunnabiyyin Madrasa in Savar’s Birulia.
Following a writ petition by his daughter Samira, the High Court ordered the exhumation of the body in the presence of relevant authorities. Samples were collected by the CID for DNA testing, which later confirmed the body to be that of Harish Chowdhury. The family then initiated preparations to bury him in Sylhet.
Shibir Holds First Public Conference in 14 Years
After nearly 14 years, the central member conference of the Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has commenced publicly. Members from across the country are participating directly in the event. The conference activities began on Tuesday, December 31, at 8 AM at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital.
It has been reported that this is the first conference to take place at Suhrawardy Udyan following over 15 years of Awami League rule. Members from across the nation have joined the event, where the name of the central president elected for the 2025 session will be announced. Voting for this took place online from 7 PM on December 29 to 9 PM on Monday, December 30.
According to the organization, the conference's chief guest will be Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Following Shibir tradition, the father of a martyr inaugurated the conference. The event is being conducted in two sessions: an open session from 8 AM to 1 PM, followed by an executive session from 2 PM to 5 PM.
Sadeq Abdullah, the central publicity secretary of the organization, stated, "We have invited only the highest tier of the organization, its members, and prominent individuals, including leaders of various parties."
He further mentioned that even during the repression and oppression by the Awami League, member conferences were held. During the pandemic and other challenging times, the conference was conducted online. This year, as in previous years, the conference is taking place.
BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman Extends New Year Greetings
BNP’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, has extended New Year greetings to the nation. On his verified X handle (formerly Twitter), he urged the people to build the country on the principles of equality, dignity, and justice in the year ahead.
He wrote on his X handle: "As we step into a transformative chapter for Bangladesh in the new year, let’s continue our efforts for equality, dignity, and justice. We aspire to build a nation where every citizen matters and every voice is heard."
He further expressed, "Together, we will restore democracy, strengthen public institutions, revive the economy, and ensure political and economic empowerment for all."
Reform and Election Key to State Transformation: Tarique Rahman
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that both reform and election are essential for the qualitative transformation of the state, politics, and political parties. Through elections, people exercise their voting rights, which ensures their political power within the state.
He made these remarks as the chief guest at a discussion meeting on the occasion of the 46th founding anniversary of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, held on Wednesday afternoon at the Engineers’ Institution in the capital.
Tarique Rahman stated, “Questions such as ‘reform or election?’ raised by certain quarters are seen by the BNP and all patriotic political parties as mere dishonest debates. The BNP believes that both reform and election are necessary for the qualitative transformation of the state, politics, and political parties. Reform is an inevitable and continuous process to make the existing system timely. Similarly, elections are the most effective method for sustaining democratic systems and ensuring accountability.”
He added that, in the BNP’s view, unless the political and economic power of the people is ensured, democracy, human rights, or even documented reforms cannot be sustainable. The interim government has undertaken several significant reform initiatives. While reform activities are undoubtedly necessary, if these initiatives exacerbate the daily struggles of the people, they may be compelled to voice their discontent with the government’s reform agenda. Already, questions have arisen among the public: What steps has the government taken to dismantle the market syndicates formed during the era of an exiled autocrat and restore purchasing power? Why are people still compelled to run to courts over the countless cases filed during the fascist regime?
He further warned that if the interim government fails in implementing its reform plans, conspirators will seize the opportunity to undermine the spirit of the 2024 mass uprising. These conspirators have already made multiple attempts to create instability in the country.
The discussion was presided over by Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib, with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attending as a special guest. The event was moderated by Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir, with speeches delivered by central BNP leaders and former Chhatra Dal leaders.
Khaleda Zia Heads to London Tonight: Long-Awaited Reunion with Son Tarique
After a long wait, former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is set to depart for London tonight for medical treatment.
She will leave from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10 PM on Tuesday (January 7). The air ambulance carrying her is scheduled to land at Heathrow Airport in the UK at 10 AM Bangladesh time on Wednesday (January 8), where she will receive VIP protocol.
Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, Khaleda Zia’s personal physician and a member of the BNP’s standing committee, stated that she will be admitted to a hospital under the NHS at a traditional and renowned facility known as the London Clinic. From Heathrow International Airport, she will be taken directly to the hospital where she will remain under treatment.
According to her personal secretary, ABM Abdus Sattar, Khaleda Zia will leave her residence in Gulshan, Firazah, at 8 PM and complete immigration formalities at the airport by 9 PM.
It has been reported that accompanying Khaleda Zia will be her personal doctors, including Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, Dr. Md. Shahabuddin Talukder, Dr. Nur Uddin Ahmed, and Dr. Mohammad Al Mamun. Also joining her will be Syeda Sharmila Rahman, the wife of her late younger son Arafat Rahman Koko. Among the party leaders are Dr. Mohammad Enamul Haque Chowdhury, a member of her advisory council, executive committee member Tabith Awal, her personal secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, personal assistant Md. Masudur Rahman, protocol officer SM Parvez, and domestic workers Fatema Begum and Rupa Sultana.
Meanwhile, after eight long years, Khaleda Zia is set to reunite with her elder son Tarique Rahman in London. The last time she saw him in person was in 2016 when they performed Umrah together on a royal invitation from Saudi Arabia. Since then, eight years have passed without any meetings between them. During the tenure of the Awami League government, Khaleda Zia was denied the opportunity for advanced medical treatment abroad, and she had not traveled outside the country during this period.
Khaleda Zia was released on an executive order on August 5, the day after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. She had been imprisoned for more than two years on corruption charges during the Awami League’s rule and was not permitted to travel abroad for medical treatment. Thus, her medical procedures, including surgeries, were conducted under the supervision of local doctors.
Finally, Khaleda Zia is heading abroad. She will be taken to London, UK, tonight by air ambulance for advanced medical treatment, marking the first meeting between the mother and son after eight years.
Gulshan Echoes with Rallies as Thousands Gather for Khaleda Zia
BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is set to depart for London tonight at 8 PM from her Gulshan residence, Firoza, for advanced medical treatment.
Thousands of party leaders and activists have gathered on the streets of Gulshan-2 and Banani, eager to catch a glimpse of their beloved leader. Their rallies and chants have filled the air, making Gulshan a hub of activity.
According to conversations with party members, Khaleda Zia will leave Firoza at 8 PM, reach the airport by 9 PM, and depart for London at 10 PM via air ambulance. However, to bid farewell to their leader, party members have been assembling in front of her residence since the afternoon, organizing rallies in waves.
Khaleda Zia to Receive 'VIP Protocol' in the UK
BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has departed for Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport from her residence, Firoza, in Gulshan on Tuesday (January 7) after 8:15 PM, to travel to London for advanced medical treatment. She will leave for London via Qatar at 10 PM aboard an air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar, and will be admitted to the "London Clinic" upon arrival.
The state-of-the-art ICU-equipped air ambulance has already arrived in Dhaka and will stop at Hamad International Airport in Qatar before heading to London. According to reports, the air ambulance carrying Khaleda Zia will land at Heathrow Airport at 10 AM UK time on Wednesday (January 8), where she will receive 'VIP protocol.' This information was shared on BNP's verified Facebook page.
Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, Khaleda Zia’s personal physician and a member of the BNP's Standing Committee, stated that she will be admitted to the "London Clinic," a historic hospital under the NHS. She will be taken directly there from Heathrow International Airport for treatment.
Accompanying Khaleda Zia on the trip are her personal physician, Dr. Zahid Hossain, who has long served as her doctor, along with four doctors and paramedics on the special air ambulance. Additionally, six members of her medical board from Dhaka will join the flight, including Professor Shahabuddin Talukdar, Professor FM Siddique, Professor Nuruddin Ahmed, Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, and Dr. Mohammad Al Mamun.
Khaleda Zia's travel companions also include Syeda Sharmila Rahman, wife of her late younger son Arafat Rahman Koko, and several party leaders, including Dr. Mohammad Enamul Haque Chowdhury, Tabith Awal, and her private secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, along with some personal staff.
Earlier, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited Firoza to bid farewell to Khaleda Zia. He arrived at 6:10 PM and left at 6:35 PM after meeting with her. Other party leaders, including Amanullah Aman, Abdus Salam, Habibur Rahman Habib, Habib-Un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Engineer Ishraque Hossain, Aminul Haque, and Mamun Hasan, also met with Khaleda Zia during this time.
Notably, Khaleda Zia last visited London in July 2017 for follow-up treatment for her eyes and legs. After returning, she was imprisoned in early 2018 on multiple corruption charges. Following more than two years in jail, the government temporarily released her in March 2020 through an executive order, with her release period being extended every six months upon request.
Following the fall of the Awami League government amid a mass movement on August 5, Khaleda Zia was released through an executive order. Since then, the BNP has been preparing to take her abroad for advanced treatment.
The 79-year-old former Prime Minister suffers from various complications, including liver cirrhosis, heart disease, lung issues, arthritis, kidney problems, and diabetes. She has undergone extensive treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka under the supervision of a medical board. After being hospitalized for a month, she returned home on August 21, following the fall of the government through a student and public movement.
