Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafikul Alam has said that the return of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will help address a political vacuum in Bangladesh. Speaking on the matter, he noted that there has been a genuine lack of political leadership in the country, and Tarique Rahman’s arrival would help fill that gap.

Shafikul Alam made the remarks on Thursday while responding to journalists’ questions during a Christmas goodwill visit with members of the Christian community at the Holy Rosary Church in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

After spending 17 years in exile, Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh earlier in the day. The Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight carrying him arrived first in Sylhet from London at 9:56 am and later landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 11:39 am following a brief stopover.

Welcoming the BNP leader’s return, the Chief Adviser’s press secretary described Tarique Rahman as the leader of the country’s largest political party and said his presence in Bangladesh would have a strongly positive impact.

Referring to the upcoming national election, Shafikul Alam said the country is currently undergoing a democratic transition. He expressed the view that Tarique Rahman’s return would help make this transition smoother.

In response to a question regarding Tarique Rahman’s security, Shafikul Alam said that the BNP is overseeing the arrangements, while the government is providing all assistance requested by the party.

Khodabakhsh issue

Asked why Khodabakhsh Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser (Home Ministry), had resigned, Shafikul Alam said the development occurred around midnight the previous night and that he had not yet been informed of the reasons behind the resignation.

Christmas greetings

During his visit to the Holy Rosary Church, Shafikul Alam exchanged Christmas greetings with members of the Christian community. He said Bangladesh is a country built on communal harmony and emphasized that people of all faiths should be able to observe their religious practices and celebrations freely and joyfully. He added that ensuring such freedom is one of the core objectives of a true democracy.