DHAKA: With Sheikh Hasina ousted, all eyes in Bangladesh are on the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The focus has intensified with the release of the party’s top leader, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, from house arrest.
Her son, Tareque Rahman, is set to return to Bangladesh, while another key BNP figure, Salahuddin Ahmed, is also expected to return. Ahmed, who has been living in India since 2015, served a one-year jail term for illegal entry into India but chose to remain there even after his release.
Currently residing in Shillong, Ahmed has stated that Khaleda Zia requires advanced medical treatment that will necessitate traveling abroad. “BNP is pushing for all charges against her to be dropped so she can receive the treatment she needs,” Ahmed said. He also mentioned that Zia has already received a renewed passport.
Ahmed expressed his belief that Sheikh Hasina’s departure was forced, citing that others were less fortunate. “I have been prepared to return since day one,” he added. Despite being acquitted of illegal entry in 2018, Ahmed’s return was delayed due to an appeal by the authorities. However, a Shillong court upheld his acquittal on February 28.
Ahmed criticized Hasina’s tenure, calling it marked by misrule, flawed elections, and tyranny. He asserted that the current situation in Bangladesh resembles a mass revolution led by students.
The BNP is expected to demand a neutral general election and advocate for dropping all charges against Khaleda Zia.
