BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return to Bangladesh within the next few weeks, party standing committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain announced on Saturday.

Speaking at a programme at the National Press Club, Zahid said Tarique Rahman would lead the party from within the country well ahead of the upcoming national elections.

“Those who are conspiring to disrupt the polls will not succeed. The election will be held in February,” he asserted.

He accused what he termed a “fallen autocrat” of attempting to usurp people’s rights through the back door.

“Those who do not believe in the country’s independence and sovereignty are plotting against it,” the BNP leader added.

Criticising the “PR method” as an unlawful demand, Zahid further said, “The constitution cannot simply be thrown into the dustbin at will. We must understand and respect the aspirations of the people without being emotional.”