After BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman hinted that there are “obstructions” preventing his return to Bangladesh, the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, clarified that the interim government has placed no restrictions on his coming home.

Responding to Tarique Rahman’s earlier message—where he suggested that his return is not entirely within his own control—Shafiqul Alam wrote in a Facebook post on Saturday afternoon that the government has no objection or barrier regarding his return.

Tarique Rahman, the son of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, has lived in the United Kingdom since 2008, after being released from prison in the aftermath of the 1/11 political crisis. He has continued to lead the party from abroad and has not returned to Bangladesh since then.

Discussions about his possible return resurfaced last year when the Awami League government was removed in July and several of Tarique Rahman’s convictions were annulled. Party leaders have frequently said he will be back “soon,” though no definite date has been announced.

Speculation intensified on Friday when Khaleda Zia’s health deteriorated sharply, suggesting that Tarique might return urgently. However, earlier today—around 8:45 a.m. Bangladesh time—Tarique Rahman posted from London on his verified Facebook page:

“In this critical moment, I too long for the comforting touch of my mother, as any child would. But the ability to act on this desire is not entirely under my personal control.”

Without explaining the nature of the “obstacles,” he added that political circumstances still limit what he can disclose, but his family remains hopeful that once the situation becomes favorable, his long wait to return home will finally end.

Meanwhile, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam wrote that Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has already expressed deep concern about Khaleda Zia’s condition and requested the nation to keep her in their prayers.