DHAKA, April 23, 2018 (BSS) – State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam today categorically said that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman handed over his passport to British authorities which was now under the disposal of Bangladesh’s home ministry.
Addressing a press conference this evening at his residence, Alam said Tarique handed over his passport along with those of his wife and daughter to the British Home Office which sent the travel documents to the Bangladesh high commission in London on June 2, 2014.
“Tarique could have submitted his passport to Bangladesh High Commission in London for renewal or extension of validity. But, he submitted it to British Home Office. . .what does it mean? As a political person, I think it’s a refusal of nationality,” he said.
Alam’s comments came hours after Tarique sent him a legal notice for his recent remarks at a Bangladeshi community gathering in London when he said the acting BNP chief abandoned his Bangladeshi nationality.
Alam today also shared with the media a copy of British Home Office letter to defend his comments.
Asked if Tarique could now travel to Bangladesh, the state minister said ‘now they have no travel document to come to Bangladesh’.
“As a politician I would say Tarique Rahman gave up his Bangladesh citizenship,” he added.
In his notice Tarique asked Alam to prove his comments by 10 days.
“I am ready to face it legally as I have all the documents regarding submission of Tarique’s passport,” the state minister added.
Responding to a query, he said he said the BNP has never clarified Tarique’s status in London but said medical treatment was nothing but an excuse for his to stay in London.
Earlier, Awami League Acting General Secretary Abu Sayeed Al Mahmud Swapan called upon BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to show his Bangladeshi passport first.
“If you (Tarique) have Bangladeshi passport, please show it,” he said at a press briefing at Awami League’s Dhanmondi Party Office this afternoon.
He said Tarique Rahman along with his wife and daughter have returned their passports to Bangladesh High Commission through the British Home Office on June 2, 2014.