BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said acting party chief Tarique Rahman surrendered his passport to the UK Home Office to get political asylum in London, but not to give up Bangladesh citizenship.
“Comments of the government and ruling party clearly indicate that Tarique Rahman’s life is at stake in Bangladesh,” Islam said at a media briefing in Dhaka on Tuesday.
“Under these circumstances, he has temporarily sought political asylum just like political leaders and anti-government eminent persons of other countries,” he said.
His comment came in response to State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam remarks that the UK Home Office has transferred Rahman and his family’s passports to the Bangladesh High Commission in London.
Alam shared copies of the UK Home Office letter and the BNP leader's passport with the media to back up his claim, reports bdnews24.
Islam said: “In line with the normal procedure, he (Tarique Rahman) submitted the passport to the UK Home Office. As per its law, the country has given travel permission after taking his passport. When he recovers from his illness, he will return to Bangladesh, just like other citizens. He will apply for his passport and get it back.”