Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of the party's standing committee, said that BNP acting chairman Tarek Rahman will return to the country only if a suitable environment is created. He said this to reporters at Dhaka Shahjalal International Airport after returning home after a two-week visit to the UK on Sunday afternoon.
When asked about Tarek Rahman's return to the country, Salahuddin said, 'So far we have not been able to create a suitable environment to bring him (Tareek Rahman) back to the country. It will take some time. But he will surely come.'
In response to the question of what message Tarek Rahman gave, the BNP leader said, 'Our Acting Chairman has ordered to work to keep the nation united. Otherwise, he feels that the fascist forces and their allies may be exposed.'
Salahuddin said, 'Our main challenge should be to practice the anti-fascist national unity in Bangladesh as a political culture. I think – if not, fascism may rise again. And the people will reject any tactic or any pretext to delay the election to move to a democratic system. For this reason, we should focus on establishing a political government in the political process as soon as possible.'
In this situation, he urged the interim government to announce the roadmap in the election ceremony.
Regarding the formation of a new party, Salahuddin said, 'If a new political force emerges in Bangladesh in this democratic environment, we will welcome it. But it should not be like King's party or with government support.'
In response to the question of how prepared BNP is for the elections, Salahuddin said, 'As an election-oriented party, we are always ready for elections.'
It is to be noted that Salahuddin left for the United Kingdom on December 20.
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed. Photo: Today's Newspaper
District News, Dhaka, Capital, Airport, Politics, Tariq Rahman, BNP, Salahuddin
