BNP Joint Secretary General and Lakshmipur-3 candidate Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has suggested that party leader Tarique Rahman could return to Bangladesh within a few days if former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is not taken abroad for medical treatment. Speaking at a courtyard meeting in Lakshmipur on Wednesday, Annie said the party is awaiting Tarique’s leadership and that his return depends on Khaleda Zia’s health condition.

Annie emphasized that the upcoming election will be challenging, describing it as a contest against an 'invisible force.' He accused the ruling Awami League of undermining fair electoral conditions through repression and avoidance. Annie also pledged that the BNP, under Tarique Rahman’s future leadership, would continue to stand beside the people, drawing parallels with the legacies of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.

Local BNP leaders, including district and municipal representatives, attended the event, signaling intensified grassroots mobilization ahead of the national polls.