Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman said that he would return to Bangladesh soon and take part in the forthcoming national elections.
In an interview with BBC Bangla broadcast on Monday, the BNP leader emphasised that he was committed to be present among people during the election, despite past delays and security concerns.
Tarique has been living in the United Kingdom for the past 17 years, having left Bangladesh on September 11, 2008, for medical treatment after enduring torture during the military-backed interim administration of 2007鈥�2008.
In the interview, Tarique outlined his party鈥檚 strategies for the next election, criticised Awami League鈥檚 politics and spoke on the trials of its leaders and activists, highlighting the country鈥檚 election-focused current political climate.
Asked whether he would return before the election, he said that as a political activist he had a deep connection with elections and intended to be present on the ground at the time of the election.
Responding to security concerns, the BNP leader, while acknowledging that apprehensions had been raised by various quarters, including the government, iterated his determination to be present during the next election.
When questioned about contesting the election directly, he replied that elections were inherently linked to political parties and activists, and therefore he was unable to remain distant when people were engaged.
On the possibility of being seen as a prime ministerial candidate, Tarique said that the decision rested on the people of Bangladesh, not him.
In response to a question about whether BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia would have any role in the election and whether she might be actively involved, Tarique said that if her physical condition allowed, she would certainly play some roles.
When asked specifically if this could mean her direct participation in the election, his answer was that he was unable to say at the moment and that it would somewhat depend on her physical or medical condition.
People were the ultimate judge when it came to holding deposed Awami League accountable, Tarique also said while replying another question.
He said that if Awami League did wrong, it must face trial in accordance with the country鈥檚 law, whether it involved a single individual of the party, or involved the entire party.
Tarique called for justice, highlighting the ordeals he and his family had endured, portraying the plight of thousands of families affected by Awami League鈥檚 actions.
He asserted that political power fundamentally rested on people and expressed his strong belief that no political party or individual who engaged in murder, enforced disappearances, or looting and laundering of national assets abroad could preserve public support.