Mirza Fakhrul Heads to London to Address Four Key Issues

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is set to visit the United Kingdom after six and a half years, embarking on a 10-day trip to address pressing party matters. Accompanied by his wife, Rahat Ara Begum, Fakhrul departed Dhaka for London on Saturday morning aboard a Bangladesh Biman flight. His last visit was in 2018, just before the 11th national elections.

This visit marks his first direct trip to London since the political transition on August 5, which saw the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government and the establishment of an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

High-Stakes Agenda

Sources confirm that Fakhrul’s visit centers on four key issues critical to the BNP:

1. Treatment of Khaleda Zia: Ensuring the party chairperson and former prime minister receives advanced medical care.
2. Tarique Rahman’s Return: Addressing matters surrounding the acting chairman’s possible return to Bangladesh amidst legal and political challenges.
3. Promotion of the 31-Point Framework: Enhancing the outreach and implementation of the proposed state reforms formulated with input from all political parties.
4. Revitalizing Organizational Momentum: Strategizing to reinvigorate BNP’s activities and addressing internal stagnation within the party.

These issues hold heightened significance as BNP navigates the post-Hasina political landscape, striving for unity within its ranks and alliances, including its partnership with Jamaat-e-Islami and other Islamic parties.

UK BNP’s Warm Reception

The UK chapter of the BNP has organized multiple programs to welcome Fakhrul. Preparations include a discussion event titled “Significance of Bangladesh’s Victory Day and the Current Situation in Bangladesh,” scheduled for December 3 at the Royal Regency. Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will attend as the chief guest, with Fakhrul as the keynote speaker.

UK BNP General Secretary Koyesar M. Ahmad confirmed that a delegation would greet Fakhrul at the airport, emphasizing the importance of this visit for the party’s international wing.

Khaleda Zia’s Potential Visit Abroad

Fakhrul’s trip could pave the way for Khaleda Zia’s overseas medical treatment. BNP insiders revealed preparations are underway for the former prime minister to travel to London on December 13, with plans for subsequent treatment in the United States. Khaleda Zia has already completed formalities for a US visa, including fingerprinting at the Dhaka US Embassy.

A Historic Moment for BNP

This visit offers an opportunity for direct discussions between Fakhrul and Tarique Rahman, who has remained in London for years due to legal and political constraints. Several fabricated cases against Rahman have recently been dismissed following the August political transition, though his return timeline remains uncertain.

Fakhrul’s visit underscores the urgency of addressing Khaleda Zia’s health, implementing reforms, and energizing the party amid changing political dynamics. As BNP positions itself for the upcoming elections, the visit is expected to solidify strategies for navigating both domestic and international challenges.