Pro-Awami League lawyers in the UK have sent a letter to the UK home secretary, requesting the home office takes “necessary actions to prohibit Tarique Rahman from unlawful activities in breach of conditions of his leave in the UK under the immigration rules.”
Awami Ainjibi Porishod UK sent the letter, dated on January 7, to Theresa May, UK home secretary; it was signed by Barristers Mohiuddin Ahmed and Anukul Talukder Dalton, the president and secretary of the association respectively.
The application comes on the same day the High Court banned publishing, broadcasting or reproducing speeches, statements of BNP's senior vice-chairman Tarique Rahman in print, electronic and social media as long he is absconding.
The application labels Tarique as a heinous character, highlights his corrupt activities during the last BNP-Jammat government, and asserts belief that Tarique’s “non-courteous and communal activities in the UK, and his aggressive comments” go beyond the scope of freedom of expression and association.
The Ainjibi Porishod expressed concerns that if the UK allows Tarique to continue his activities, it may damage the friendly relationship between the UK and Bangladesh.
The application mentioned that the association believes Tarique’s “extremey derogatory and defamatory” comments, made last December 15, against Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his directive that BNP activist scream “Razakar” whenever they see Awamy Leaguers ultimately resulted in a “violent attack” on female Awamy Leaguers gathered in a London park on last December 23.
The UK home office was reminded that Tarique may be breeching his bail conditions; India is weary of his possible links with the Pakistani intelligence agency; USA rejected his petition for political asylum; and that he may be involved in militancy in Bangladesh.
It is not known whether or how the Home office has reacted to the application.
Tarique is supposedly receiving medical treatment in the UK since 2008 after being granted bail in various cases in this country. He is under political asylum.
