United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday night (December 12, 2025) said the party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh on 25 December, ending nearly 18 years of exile. “It is with great joy that I inform you that our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman – the most beloved leader of millions, who has been in exile for almost 18 years and has led the democratic movement for more than a decade – will arrive in Dhaka on 25 December,” he said. Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Fakhrul expressed hope that Tarique’s return would help remove obstacles on the path to democracy. “We believe that once our Acting Chairman returns home, the barriers placed before the democratic transition will begin to disappear,” he added. Read more: Tarique terms attack on Hadi a conspiracy against democracy Fakhrul said the news of Tarique’s homecoming would bring a “message of relief” for the entire nation. He also said their party welcomes Tarique’s return with “great happiness” and wants to share that joy with the entire country. Referring to a meeting in London between the BNP Acting Chairman and the Chief Adviser, Fakhrul said it was decided that the national parliamentary election would be held within February, which removed all doubts regarding the election. “With the announcement of the election schedule yesterday, the electoral process has started, and people across the country now have hopes that it will be carried out,” he added. During the 1/11 government, Tarique Rahman was arrested on March 7, 2007. He was granted bail on September 3, 2008, and left for London with his family on September 11 for medical treatment. Since then, he has been living in London with wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. During the last Awami League government, he was sentenced in five different cases in his absence, while around 100 cases were filed against him. Read more: BNP announces nationwide protests for Saturday over attack on Hadi But after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, he was cleared of all charges through legal processes. Now, he has no cases pending against him. Fakhrul condemned the shooting of Dhaka-8 independent candidate Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, calling it “a conspiracy to sabotage the election”. “The incident shows that evil forces are working to disrupt the election. We strongly condemn the attack and demand the immediate arrest of those responsible,” he said. Fakhrul also criticised the behaviour of supporters of a political party at Dhaka Medical College Hospital when BNP leader Mirza Abbas went there after hearing about the attack on Hadi. “I cannot remain silent on this. Our Standing Committee senior member and long-time BNP leader, Mirza Abbas, who is a candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, naturally went to Dhaka Medical College Hospital upon hearing the news of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi being shot, to show his sympathy as a political leader,” he said. But, unfortunately, Fakhrul said, some individuals and supporters of that party, along with a few conspirators, gathered there, shouted provocative slogans, and at one point tried to create a mob violence. “We strongly condemn that, and we want to warn all parties that if such behaviour happens, BNP will not remain silent and will respond immediately,” he said. He also said the BNP does not want any kind of unrest or violence, but if the party comes under attack, it will not take it lightly, as BNP knows how to respond. Fakhrul urged all political parties to refrain from creating mob violence, inciting tension, or disrupting the election process. “Everyone should focus on restoring calm and ensuring a fair election. Otherwise, the path of democratic transition will be blocked, and the journey of democracy will be obstructed. I urge all sides to take this matter seriously.” Earlier, the BNP National Standing Committee held a meeting chaired by Tarique Rahman via video link, starting at 9 pm. Read more: Mirza Abbas barred from visiting bullet-hit Hadi at DMCH BNP Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Selima Rahman and Hafizuddin Ahmed, among others, were present at the press conference.

Just hours before the announcement of the election schedule, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday (December 11, 2025) called on party leaders and activists to get ready to welcome their Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, saying he will return to the country ‘very soon’. “Since all our leaders are here today, I want to tell you that our leader (Tarique) will come back to us very soon,” he said while speaking at the opening session of the fifth day of BNP’s ‘Plan to Build the Country’ workshop. The BNP leader called on his colleagues to be ready to give Tarique a grand reception on the day he returns home, ending his 17 years of exile in London. “The day our leader arrives and sets foot in Bangladesh, the whole country should shake. You must remember this… You will be able to do it, InshaAllah. On that day, we want to change the face of the entire country,” he said. Read more: Tarique stresses winning people’s support for BNP’s victory Fakhrul said the party wants to move forward with a progressive vision to take Bangladesh ahead. “We want to move ahead. We want progress. To place Bangladesh in a position of dignity, we want to carry forward our leader’s thoughts and plans.” Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin is scheduled to address the nation in the evening to announce the schedule for the 13th parliamentary election. Fakhrul said the election schedule will be announced today, opening the way for the people to establish new leadership for Bangladesh through a fresh election. “We now have the chance to work with the people to form a truly representative parliament — a parliament that will lead Bangladesh towards a new horizon, under the leadership of our leader Tarique Rahman,” he said. Read more: Tarique stresses reconciliation over revenge after 16 years of ‘authoritarian rule’ He said the BNP must win the upcoming election and secure a full victory so it can take Bangladesh forward. “Many barriers will come. Many difficulties will appear. There are many campaigns against us, and there will be more. But we want to stand tall by overcoming all of these. BNP has never been defeated, and it will not be defeated,” he added. Describing BNP as the party of the people, the Liberation War and the struggle for democracy, Fakhrul urged leaders to stay united. “Nothing else will bring you success. What will bring success is unity — a strong, steel-like unity — and the spirit to move forward with our nationalist and democratic ideals,” he said. Read more: Only BNP understands reforms what Bangladesh truly needs: Mirza Abbas The party earlier announced the six-day workshop on 27 November involving Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Ulema Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and other front organisations to prepare them for campaigning before the polls. Fakhrul inaugurated the fifth day’s programme at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate, with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to address the concluding session virtually in the afternoon. Leaders and activists of BNP joined the programme to receive training on different issues so they can reach out to people and explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto and promises before the polls. Read more: ‘1971 is our very existence,’ says Fakhrul as he calls for resisting evil forces

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday (December 10, 2025) said that his party is committed to accountability, reconciliation and democratic rights -- not revenge -- despite facing the most repression over the last 16 years. In a message posted on his verified Facebook page on Human Rights Day, he also said his party envisions a future Bangladesh to be built on unity, dignity and democratic freedoms with human rights upheld. “BNP has suffered deeply, yet emerged stronger, guided by the belief that truth, justice, accountability, reconciliation and a shared commitment to the rule of law can build a Bangladesh that honours every voice and every life, a nation where human rights are defended as essential to our collective future,” Tarique wrote. He said Bangladesh ‘lived beneath a darkened sky’ for 16 years as fear replaced basic freedoms. Read more: Only BNP understands reforms what Bangladesh truly needs:  Mirza Abbas “Some felt it sharply, others carried the weight quietly. But for many, especially those whose politics diverged from the deposed regime’s ruling line, the darkness was a lived reality: midnight knocks, fabricated cases, brutality endured, terror seeping into daily culture, and families waiting by doors that never opened again,” her said. Tarique said no political organisation bore this burden more than BNP. “Across extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, custodial deaths, and false charges, BNP leaders, activists and supporters formed the largest share of the wounded and missing. And in the 2024 mass uprising, it was again BNP’s ranks that suffered the highest number of deaths and injuries.” He stressed that the pain extended far beyond a single political group, affecting students, journalists, writers and ordinary citizens who lost the everyday essentials of dignity, safety and freedom of expression that “today’s Human Rights Day asks us to protect.” In those years, the BNP leader mentioned that he was stripped of the most basic right of voicing his opinion as he was silenced by an order prohibiting newspapers, electronic media and social media in the country from publishing or airing his words since 2015. Read more: BNP plans universal 'Family Card' for all women: Tarique Rahman “Yet even from enforced silence, I kept fighting for the rights and democracy denied to millions, proving that a spirit committed to justice cannot be muted by decree,” he said. He also highlighted the suffering endured by his mother and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, whom he described as a national symbol of resilience through imprisonment, political cases and attempts to erase her legacy. “Yet she remained steadfast in the principles she had upheld throughout Bangladesh’s democratic journey. She has always championed that rights belong to every citizen, and that a nation cannot thrive when fear shapes its public life. Her resilience was never hers alone; it reflected the resilience of countless ordinary people,” the BNP leader said. Sharing personal accounts, Tarique said his own mother endured the pain of seeing her son tortured in custody, while his family also suffered the loss of his brother. Read more: Khaleda's condition remains unchanged: Board Yet, he said, this “pain does not always produce bitterness,” but instead strengthens the resolve to build a fairer future. “Our Deshnetri, my mother, exemplifies this more than anyone I know. It can shape people into guardians of a better future, and into people who understand that a nation cannot be rebuilt by repeating the injustices it survived. What Bangladesh needs now is larger than politics. We envision a united country where human rights are guaranteed, where plurality of opinions is welcomed, where opposition is a healthy part of democracy rather than a threat, and where no one is erased for their beliefs,” Tarique said. He said BNP stands strong, choosing resolution over retribution and it rejects the politics of vengeance and affirms that no Bangladeshi, whether ally or opposition, should ever again fear the institutions created to protect their rights. Calling for a rights-based future, he urged Bangladeshis to remember the stories of Abrar Fahad, Mushtaq Ahmed, Ilias Ali, Sajedul Islam Sumon, Sagar-Runi and many more, so that injustices are not repeated. Read more: BNP ready to lead fresh drive against corruption: Tarique

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday (December 08, 2025) urged party leaders and activists to prioritise the party and its electoral symbol, the “Sheaf of Paddy,” over individual candidates ahead of the upcoming election, warning that a serious setback could follow if unity is not maintained. “There is no time for us to sit idle. Candidates have already been announced in various areas. For your area, the party has made a decision based on who we thought would do best,” he said while speaking virtually at the concluding session of BNP’s second day of the ‘Plan to Build the Country’ programme. Tarique also noted that perhaps the candidate announced in their area was not the one they personally preferred, or that their connection with the candidate was not very strong. “But you are not working for the candidate. You are working for your Sheaf of Paddy. The candidate is not the main focus. What matters is that our party, BNP, the Sheaf of Paddy, and the country. If people vote for the Sheaf of Paddy, we will be able to carry out every plan for building the country,” he said. Read more: Conspiracies underway to undermine democracy: Tarique Rahman He also said the plans to build the country will not just remain on paper but will be implemented at any cost with people’s involvement. “Our promise and our work for the next two months are to involve the people of Bangladesh in these plans. There is no other work beyond this.” Tarique called upon Chhatra Dal leaders and activists to reach out to people in their areas, explain the party’s plans, gather support, and mobilise voters. Urging the younger generation to unite, he said, Bangladesh’s immediate future depends on them. If you move forward together, the country has a future. Otherwise, a terrible situation may wait. If we unite and work from our respective positions, the country will move forward.” The six-day programme, titled ‘Plans to Build the Country’, was announced on November 27 and involves BNP’s affiliated bodies, including Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Ulema Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal, ahead of the national election. Conspiracies underway to undermine democracy: Tarique Rahman BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin inaugurated the second day’s programme in the morning, with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate. Leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal from across the country joined the programme so they can explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto, and promises to the people ahead of the polls. The programme highlighted BNP’s detailed plans for the country, including canal excavation, air pollution control, environmental improvement, waste management, nationwide sports development, education, health, reducing unemployment, and social support initiatives such as the Family Card, Farmers’ Card, and Health Card. Tarique urged party leaders and activists to take these plans directly to people. Read more: Shahadat Hossain Selim joins BNP dissolving his party

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday strongly criticised Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for spreading propaganda against his party in the same tone as the fascist Awami League, saying the people of Bangladesh saw how Jamaat killed lakhs of people and dishonoured women in 1971 for political gains. Delivering his concluding remarks virtually at the inaugural ceremony of BNP’s six-day ‘Plan to Build the Country’ programme, he also accused Jamaat of misleading people with false promises, including claiming they could ‘guarantee heaven in return for votes’. “We hear some people or some groups nowadays—in different places or on social media— saying ‘We have seen this party and that party, so now give this party (Jamaat) a chance’. But the people of this country already saw this party in 1971,” Tarique said. He warned party leaders about people in a particular political party who are reportedly selling tickets for different things and making promises that only Allah can decide. “They are giving guarantees about matters that belong to Allah alone. The owner of Heaven, Hell, and everything in the world is Allah. Only He has the right to decide. If I claim something from my own perspective, I understand that it is shirk, associating partners with Allah,” Tarique said. Speaking to the leaders of his party’s student wing at the event, he said they should go door to door and tell people that those making such claims are committing shirk. “Anyone who listens to these claims will also fall into shirk,” he added. In an oblique reference to Jamaat, he said this party killed lakhs of innocent people in 1971 to protect its own political interests, just like the fallen dictator who killed thousands before fleeing to cling to power. “Those who are now asking people to support—the people of this country have already seen them in 1971. They not only killed lakhs of people, but their collaborators also violated countless mothers and sisters. We must never forget this,” Tarique said. When the BNP governed the country from 2001 to 2006, he said, it inherited a nation badly damaged by corruption under the rule of Awami League. Later, Tarique said BNP under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia worked step by step to reduce corruption and improve the situation. “The progress we made was reviewed by an international organisation, and that analysis has already been clearly shared with you in the leaflet. So, we can confidently say — if any party in Bangladesh can stop corruption, it is BNP. We have done it before and, Insha’Allah, we will do it again for the people,” he added. Indirectly referring to Jamaat leaders, Tarique said some people are repeating the same false propaganda about BNP that the fugitive autocrat once spread. “We recently noticed a few individuals or parties making those same baseless claims. But here is the question — two of their senior leaders were in our government at that time. Both have passed away. They were respected political figures, and we should not speak badly about those who are no longer alive,” he said. “What we can say is that they stayed in the BNP government until the very last day, showing their full confidence in Begum Khaleda Zia’s fight against corruption,” the BNP leader observed. He said the allegations of corruption during BNP’s rule were brought, but now, with a more independent judiciary--unlike during autocratic time--no charges against them have ever been proven. “All those were only propaganda. So, the conclusion remains—only BNP has been able to pull Bangladesh away from corruption in the past, and Insha’Allah, only BNP will be able to do it again.” Tarique reminded that he has been saying since 5 August last year that the days ahead would not be easy. “More difficult times are waiting for us. Different conspiracies are being planned from different directions. Only the people can stop these plots, and BNP, together with the people, can resist them,” he said. He said the only way to stop these conspiracies is to restore democracy. “If we can establish democracy and ensure the people’s mandate at any cost, we will be able to stop many conspiracies. Yet even then, tough days are still ahead.” Tarique said his party must prioritise addressing corruption and restoring law and order in the country. “We must rein in corruption at any cost, and ensure law and order,” he said, adding that these are essential for improving health, education, women’s empowerment, agriculture, and the economy. Tarique also spoke on BNP’s vision for the country. “Our goal is to build an independent Bangladesh, where people have jobs, live peacefully, and corruption is under control. We don’t want Bangladesh to become like Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, or the US—we want a self-reliant nation.” He urged student leaders to actively engage with communities across the country, meet people at their homes, and explain how the BNP plans to improve the lives of women, farmers, and young people. “If we work together, we can build the Bangladesh we dream of.” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir inaugurated the programme in the morning with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate. Leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal from different parts of the country joined the event.

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Saturday (December 06, 2025) said their party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman may return to Bangladesh anytime as all preparations for his homecoming have been completed. “Who is raising questions about Tarique Rahman not returning? I really don’t understand. Those who want to talk can keep talking. But we know he will come. He will return home very soon,” he said. While talking to reporters at a hotel in Banani, the BNP leader said that arrangements—from Tarique’s residence to his office—have nearly reached completion. “The work on preparing his office is also almost done. The party has already completed all necessary preparations based on his plans for Bangladesh. So, he can come back to Bangladesh at any time,” he added. Read more: Tarique Rahman’s return a personal, family decision: Khosru Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, said those who are spreading rumours can continue doing so as there is no harm in it, since Bangladesh always has some people who like to gossip and they can stay busy with that. “I don’t know whether there are any other motives behind such rumours… There is no point in responding to these rumours anymore,” he said. Khosru also expressed the hope that BNP will form the next government with people’s support, and Tarique Rahman will lead the new cabinet as Prime Minister. “We believe that under his leadership, we will take the country forward, fulfilling the expectations and aspirations of the people,” he said. Replying to a question, the BNP leader said he is not aware of whether Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, will enter politics or not. Read more: No specific information over Tarique’s return, says Foreign Adviser Asked about Khaleda Zia’s possible travel to London, he said her trip depends on doctors’ approval and the air ambulance is not an issue here. “The main question is whether she is fit for travel. We are waiting for the doctors’ decision.” “It is better for me not to comment on the medical side because these are very technical matters. The doctors who are treating her know everything, so it is better for them to speak about it,” Khosru said. He also said Khaleda’s travel abroad now completely depends on the doctors’ opinion. “They are working on that now and discussing the matter among themselves. So, whenever they make the decision, she will be able to travel, and then she will be taken for treatment.” The BNP chief has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23 and was moved to the Critical Care Unit on November 27 with multiple health complications. Khaleda’s treatment is being supervised by a medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, with both local and foreign specialists involved. Khaleda’s daughter-in-law, Dr Zubaida Rahman — also a member of the medical board — arrived in Dhaka from London on Friday to accompany her mother-in-law abroad once she is cleared to fly. Read more: Questioning whether Tarique is a voter ‘irrelevant’, says AG

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s departure for London for advanced medical treatment is now expected to be delayed until late Friday morning (December 05, 2025), as the special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar may arrive in Dhaka later than initially scheduled due to technical issues, according to party sources. Besides, Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, is scheduled to reach Dhaka around 9:30am Friday to accompany her critically ill mother-in-law during the flight to the UK in the special aircraft. At a press conference at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office on Thursday afternoon (December 04), BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the air ambulance was expected to arrive late at night. He later told UNB that ‘some technical problems’ have arisen which could delay its arrival. Read more: Who’re accompanying Khaleda Zia to London? BNP Media Cell member Atiqur Rahman Rumon said Dr Zubaida Rahman is scheduled to fly from London around 6pm local time by a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. “The flight is expected to land in Dhaka around 9:30am Bangladesh time,” he said. Once in Dhaka, Rumon said Zubaida will travel back to London in the Qatar air ambulance with the BNP Chairperson. Zubaida, who is also a member of the medical board formed for Khaleda’s treatment, has been monitoring her condition continuously through virtual consultations. Khaleda Zia, the 80-year-old three-time former prime minister, has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital since 23 November after being admitted with multiple health complications. As her condition deteriorated, she was shifted to the Critical Care Unit on 27 November, where she remains under close observation. Doctors said Khaleda Zia is receiving intensive care for several complications related to her liver, kidneys and heart. BNP sources said Tarique and Zubaida have completed all arrangements for Khaleda’s treatment at London Bridge Hospital in the UK. Mirza Fakhrul said all necessary procedures for Khaleda’s travel have already been completed. “You may already know who will accompany her. A team of doctors will travel with Madam.” The BNP leader said the royal air ambulance is equipped with modern medical facilities. “It has everything available, even an operation theatre.” Earlier in the day, Khaleda’s personal physician and BNP Standing Committee Member AZM Zahid Hossain said she will be flown to London for advanced medical treatment. The decision was made unanimously by a medical board including local and foreign specialists, he told reporters at a briefing in front of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Read more: Zubaida Rahman set to fly to Dhaka to accompany ailing Khaleda to London “She will be taken to London by a Qatar royal air ambulance. We have selected a hospital in London for her treatment and, InshAllah, we will take her there,” he said. He said several specialist doctors and two foreign physicians will accompany Khaleda during the trip to the UK. Regarding her current condition, Zahid said every step has been taken strictly as advised by the medical board. “They advised that sending her to London at this stage is the most appropriate. We hope she will recover and return to us.” On 8 January, Khaleda Zia travelled to London in a special air ambulance sent by the Amir of Qatar for advanced medical treatment and returned home on 6 May in the same aircraft. The government has declared Khaleda Zia a ‘Very Very Important Person’ and deployed members of the Special Security Force to ensure her safety. Party sources said Khaleda will first be airlifted to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by helicopter and then she will board the air ambulance. Read more: Khaleda Zia to be flown to London: Dr Zahid

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Tuesday (December 02) said they do not have any specific information regarding BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s return to home, mentioning that he has not yet sought any travel pass. “Travel pass will be issued if he seeks. So far I know, he is yet to seek any travel pass,” he said when a journalist approached him while leaving his office – the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Asked whether Tarique holds any passport, Adviser Hossain said he does not know about the matter. “That I can’t tell you.” Read more: No reason to contest national election: Adviser Touhid Hossain He said there are preparations and arrangements for taking her abroad (for advanced treatment) but her family and party will take the decisions based on doctor’s advice. Hossain on Sunday said the government can issue a ‘one-time’ travel pass within a day, facilitating BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s return to home if he wishes to come back home. “If he (Tarique) says today that he wants to return, we can provide the pass tomorrow and he can catch the plane the day after tomorrow. There is no problem,” Adviser Hossain said while responding to a question during ‘DCAB Talk’ at the Jatiya Press Club. The Adviser said this is a kind of ‘one-time’ pass which is usually issued if anyone does not have the passport or the passport expires. “It’s for once. It takes only one day to issue such a pass.” Adviser Hossain said there are no restrictions from the government side. Read more: Tarique Rahman likely to return home soon: Salahuddin Referring to BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s health condition, he said she is not in a position at this moment that allows her travelling abroad for further treatment. If her health improves to some extent, she will be taken abroad and the party is making arrangements to this end. “We are assisting.”

The government of Bangladesh is ready to provide any support needed for BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s security, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said on Tuesday (December 02). Talking to reporters after a meeting of the core committee on law and order at the Secretariat, the adviser said there had been no discussion at the meeting on Tarique Rahman’s return. Read more: Govt declares Khaleda Zia a ‘very very important person’ Asked whether the Home Ministry has made preparations to ensure Tarique’s security, the adviser said, “We are ready for everyone. The Home Ministry is prepared for all, and for those who need special security… whatever special arrangements are required, we are ready to provide them.” No one in Bangladesh faces any security threat, he added. Read more: No specific information over Tarique’s return, says Foreign Adviser

Amid a surge of prayers and concern for Begum Khaleda Zia, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday (December 02) thanked people across Bangladesh and abroad for their support, urging all to continue prayers for her recovery. In a post on his verified Facebook page, “I want to take a moment, on behalf of the Zia family and BNP, to give our most profound thanks for the remarkable outpouring of support for Begum Khaleda Zia's recovery.” Tarique Rahman likely to return home soon: Salahuddin He said the widespread expressions of concern from leaders, diplomats and friends across the world, as well as the overwhelming love and prayers from the people of Bangladesh have been incredible. “This collective support has been a source of immense strength for all of us. We continue to pray for her recovery and appreciate the unity, compassion, and solidarity shown during this difficult moment,” Tarique said. Khaleda Zia, 80, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of the medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs. No legal barrier to Tarique Rahman’s return, says Law Adviser She is also suffering from pneumonia and is currently under intensive observation in the Critical Care Unit (CCU), under the care of specialist doctors from both home and abroad. BNP leaders described her condition on Friday night as 'extremely critical'. The former Prime Minister has also been suffering from multiple long-term health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney problems.