Had Begum Khaleda Zia been a public figure in her early age, undoubtedly she would have become an idol in fashion and style for many Bangladeshi women.

Remember her first public appearance during the visit of King Birendra Bikram Shahdev of Nepal and Queen Aishwarya when General Ziaur Rahman was the President in late 70s. Many people still talk about that First Lady Khaleda Zia (although not announced First Lady officially as in case of Begum Rawshan Ershad later on) looked like more than a queen. A nation still euphoric with feudal hangovers felt and had pride for having such a queen-like pretty “first lady”.

Unfortunately, instead of having a life in an apparent royal palace, she had to be engaged in politics following the assassination of her husband Ziaur Rahman. She had to wage movements and stayed on streets for several years to oust General HM Ershad, the far and foremost beneficiary of Zia’s killing in a mysterious military coup in May 1981.

Still a beautiful face and a charming personality of Begum Zia attracted young generation to her politics alongside their affection for Ziaur Rahman, an outcome of distortion of history and confinement of spirit of the liberation war from textbooks to mass media following the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with most of his family in August 1975.

Apart from building a party from nowhere, Begum Zia has set many other examples in her public appearance. She is first prominent political figure in Bangladesh who and whose followers started the ritual of cutting birthday cake in the midnight. Although a low media coverage specially when she is outside the power, the birthday celebration is still in news alongside the news on observance of assassination anniversary of father of the nation.

This time her party and she herself are celebrating the birthday of her son Tarique Rahman in a festive manner. Begum Zia attended the cake cutting celebration at her political office in the midnight. The weeklong celebrations include different other programs__ from art competition of children to discussion on Tarique’s political thoughts.

Oh, yes. This time, too, he is in London. His followers and leaders of BNP do not know when he will stage a comeback braving the corruption and criminal cases. But, they believe he will one day, and he will be the captain of ship of the Bangladeshi nationalism.

Listen to young leaders of the party who talked to private television, Channel i in celebrating Tarique’s 50th birthday.

Shamimur Rahman, assistant office secretary of BNP, said that Tarique has been able to show people a dream despite his ailment and an expatriate life.

“Tarique Rahman will be able to play a leading role in building a happy, prosperous, corruption-free and modern Bangladesh,” said Akramul Hasan, general secretary of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), when asked as to how they want to see their leader.

JCD president Rajib Ahsan called Tarique Rahman an unparallel leader for future politics of Bangladesh.

Abdus Salam Azad, acting president of Jubo Dal, thinks there is no alternative to Tarique Rahman for “reintroduction” of multi-party democracy in Bangladesh.

Morshed Liton, general secretary of BNP at Gabtoli from where hailed Tarique’s father Zia, considers Tarique as the pride of Bangladesh.

The leaders from top to bottom have all the flowery words for their future, Tarique, but none knows when he can join them physically.

Read what is said by Swechchhasebak Dal president Habibunnabi Khan Sohel: People frustrated with misrule are eagerly waiting that when their leader Tarique Rahman will return on completion of his treatment. We hope that their desire will be fulfilled shortly.

“He will come back and take the steering of the nation,” he said.

But, when will it take place?

Tarique’s main rival party thinks there is very less or no such chance.

“He is distorting history and giving lectures from London only to be headlines. He left the country with the bond of no return and he does not have the courage to come back,” said elderly AL leader Suranjit Sengupta.

“This is the world of heroes. We have the history of welcoming a hero. But, I do not think a cowardice person with running away attitude will be accepted,” said Suranjit.

Mahabubul Alam Hanif, AL’s joint general secretary, is a bit ahead.

He has some praises for Begum Khaleda Zia, but nothing for her son. “Khaleda Zia had taken the party to a level after many ups and downs. She had taken the party to power twice. But, Tarique Rahman is now a liability for BNP. I do not think the nation will welcome a leader like him.”

Hanif has some explanations, too.

“All the corruptions, irregularities were there soon after Tarique joined BNP. He has now proved himself to be an uneducated person and an insane through incoherent speeches abut Awami League and the history of Bangladesh,” said Hanif.

Chhatra League president Badiuzzaman Sohag thinks none accepts Tarique’s speeches, and the Awami League leaders and ministers should not comment on rubbishes he talks about.

“I think the BNP and Chhatra Dal leaders and activists are also ashamed of Tarique Rahman’s falsehood,” said the BCL president.

Whatever Sohag said and whatever is in mind of BNP leaders and activists, they believe Tarique is their future. This is very natural in a country where family legacy dominates the politics.

Apparently, nothing is wrong if a blood successor also succeeds in politics if s/he comes through a political process. A second “prince” is in offing in our politics. But, our experiences over the first one, Tarique Rahman, is not very comfortable.

Still he is known to people more for his “Hawa Bhaban” which was symbol of corruption, malpractice of power and even terrorism if his involvement is finally proved by the court holding trial of August 21 grenade attack.

So, many think what the BNP-men consider as a ship of Bangladeshi nationalism is, in fact, a shop of fortune seekers. A shop like “Hawa Bhaban”.

Zahid Newaz Khan: News Editor, Channel i

BDST: 1713 HRS, NOV 20, 2014