‘Post-Eid Movement’ and ‘Tarek is Returning’: Netizens are skeptical about which is taking longer

Special Correspondent

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s recent announcement has raised the possibility of Tarique Rahman returning to the country again. He said that the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman may return before December and that an office and residence are being prepared for him at the Gulshan Chairperson’s office.

While his announcement has sparked excitement in political circles, his repeated delayed announcements in the past have sparked widespread laughter among netizens. Many have commented on social media jokingly, saying, “It’s more delayed for Tariq to return than for the movement after Eid.”

Mirza Fakhrul said in an interview today, “Tarek will return very soon. He has to settle some legal and personal matters. He may return before the election schedule is announced.”

He also said that if Tarek’s mother Khaleda Zia is physically unable to function, Tarek will be the party’s prime ministerial candidate.

Earlier on September 7, party standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed also said that Tariq’s return would be a “historic event” and that half of the party’s election campaign would be completed.

But these announcements are not new. In the past year, BNP leaders have repeatedly spoken about Tareq’s return, but none of them have materialized. After the fall of the Awami League government, Mirza Fakhrul first announced on August 5 last year, “Measures have been taken to bring Tareq back immediately.” Then in December last year, Fakhrul returned from London and said, “Tareq will return when all legal obstacles are removed.” In March this year, he said again, “There is no specific date, but Tareq will return at the right time.” In June, he said, “Tareq will return soon,” and most recently, in early August last year, he said that Tareq would return in November-December. Such repeated announcements of dates have created widespread suspicion in political circles.

Analysts say Tarek’s return could be politically strategic if the election schedule is announced in December.

Netizens’ reactions to this are hilarious. Many on social media are sharing memes saying, “The July student movement has started after Eid, but Tariq’s return is still awaited. Which one is more delayed?”

Others say, “The house has been kept under surveillance, but it is not known when Tareq will return!” Amidst this humor, political analyst Mohiuddin Ahmed said, “Tareq’s return depends on the electoral situation and security. Repeated announcements may be a tactic to keep party supporters excited, but in reality, delays erode credibility.”

Tarique Rahman has been living in London since 2008. During the Awami League era, several cases were filed against him and he was sentenced to life imprisonment as the mastermind behind the August 21 grenade attack case. He was sentenced as one of the masterminds behind the smuggling of ten trucks of weapons.

But after the political change caused by last year’s militant attacks, he was acquitted of all the cases. Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, however, said that there is no obstacle to Tarek’s return, he can return whenever he wants; however, BNP leaders and activists are still not sure whether Tarek will return at all.