Tarique Rahman’s birthday today, no event being held

The 60th birthday of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is today (November 20).  He has turned 59.

Tarique, the eldest son of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and its Chairperson Khaleda Zia, was born on November 20, 1965 in Bogura.

Following Tarique’s instructions, the BNP has decided not to hold any events to mark his birthday.

Tarique went to London for medical treatment on September 11, 2008, and he has been living there with his family ever since.

He became a member of the Gabtali Upazila BNP in Bogura district in 1988. 

In 2002, following a decision by the BNP Standing Committee, Tarique Rahman was appointed Senior Joint Secretary General of the party. 

While in exile, in 2009, he was elected Senior Vice-Chairman of the party during the Fifth National Council of BNP. He was reelected Senior Vice-Chairman during the Sixth National Council in 2016.

Since the imprisonment of his mother and party Chairperson Khaleda Zia in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case on February 8, 2018, Tarique has been serving as the acting chairman of the BNP.

On September 11, 2008, just eight days after being released from jail on bail, Tarique Rahman left for London for treatment during the military-backed caretaker government. He had been arrested on March 7, 2007 and was released on bail on September 3, 2008.

A press release issued on November 11 said: “Leaders and activists of all BNP units, along with its associated and affiliated organisations across the country, are hereby informed that no events will be held to celebrate Mr Tarique Rahman’s birthday day.”

The statement also warned that organisational action would be taken against anyone who defies this directive.