Staff Correspondent

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will return home very soon to lead what the party calls the final phase of the struggle to restore democracy in Bangladesh, said BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Tuesday.

“Zubaida Rahman arrived today… the day is not far off when our acting chairman will lead the movement for the restoration of democracy from here, rather than from Britain,” Zahid told reporters in front of Firoza, the residence of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Zahid, who is also Khaleda Zia’s personal physician and accompanied her on the same air ambulance, said the time is approaching when the right atmosphere will allow Tarique Rahman to return home.“In a few days, perhaps the proper environment will be created for Tarique to return and he will surely come back,” he said.Zubaida Rahman, who accompanied Khaleda on her return from London, is expected to stay in the country for a few days.Zahid said that, with her husband and daughter still in London, it is natural for her to travel back there briefly.“She might leave for London after a few days. But she will soon return permanently with Tarique Rahman, who will then lead the final stage of the movement to restore democracy in the country,” Zahid added.He also said Khaleda Zia has returned home in stable health and mental condition. “She is a little physically tired from the journey, but mentally she is very stable.”On behalf of the BNP, Zahid expressed gratitude to the Emir of Qatar and the Qatari government for willingly providing the royal special air ambulance, which carried Khaleda to and from London.He said the air ambulance, equipped with all royal medical facilities, was provided free of charge.