Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chair Tarique Rahman would lead the party in the next 13th national election, likely to be held in February, said his foreign affairs adviser Humayun Kabir on Thursday.
Talking to reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka after returning from the United States, he said that the national election would be held in February and Tarique Rahman would lead BNP in that poll.
Asked about Tarique鈥檚 return to Bangladesh, Kabir said that since he would be leading the party, it was natural for him to return. 鈥楬e will return home soon. Once the date is fixed, you [journalists] will know鈥� There is no doubt about his return.鈥�
In the 2001 national election, Khaleda Zia led BNP while Tarique played an important role in the electoral process. This time, Tarique himself will lead the party in the election.
About his visit to the UN General Assembly with chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Kabir said that the chief adviser was very sincere about holding the next national election. 鈥榃e hope the election will be held in February next year.鈥�
He said that the chief adviser led Bangladesh鈥檚 delegation at the UN General Assembly, which included different political parties and showed that Bangladesh was united.
The BNP leader also defended the party over the incident at New York鈥檚 JFK Airport on 23 September, when political leaders were harassed during the chief adviser鈥檚 trip.
鈥楾hrowing eggs does not damage the country鈥檚 image. Rather, it has again exposed the fascist nature of Awami League. It also proved why their political activities were banned in Bangladesh 鈥� it was the right decision,鈥� he said.
Kabir blamed the incident on poor coordination by the embassy and security officials but said the chief adviser had assured them that action would be taken.
He described the New York visit as a success, saying, 鈥業t showed that Bangladesh is united and standing tall on the international stage.鈥�
