Syed Ashraf�s overstay triggers rumours

Speculations are rife in political circles over the delay in Awami League (AL) General Secretary and Public Administration Minister Syed Ashraful Islam’s return from London.
Syed Ashraful went to London on September 20 on a personal tour and was supposed to return on October 4, said ministry sources. While personal staff of Syed Ashraful, Syed Tofazzal Islam, yesterday told The Independent, “Yes, Ashraf Sir was supposed to return on October 4. But I don’t know when he is coming. I will inform you as soon as I know.” Apparently, Syed Ashraful was to visit London to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with his family. However, he changed plans after a two-hour-long meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Gana Bhaban.

Since BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia is now in London, rumour runs high in the air that there might be a meeting between Ashraf and Khleda to resolve the ongoing political crisis.

Khaleda Zia left for London from Dhaka on September 15 on a month-long personal tour for her eye treatment and to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha with family members. On August 10, BNP spokesperson Asaduzzaman Ripon had said that she was scheduled to leave for London where her elder son Tarique Rahman was staying since 2008 within a day or two however, she postponed her trip.
A staff member of Khaleda’s media wing Sairul Kabir Khan said, “The date of madam’s return has not been finalised yet. Reporters from have fabricated stories about her return.” On the rumoured talks between Syed Ashraful and Khaleda, he said, “I don’t know any further in this regard but I think something is happening in London.”
A source close to BNP Vice Chairman Tarique Rahman told this correspondent yesterday that Khaleda might return to Bangladesh in the first week of November. Whereas an AL leader close to Syed Ashraful told this correspondent on Friday, “Ashraf Bhai went to London on an assignment”.
But he said that he did not know whether there would any discussion between Syed Ashraful and Khaleda could be held in London.

Syed Ashraf�s overstay triggers rumours

Speculations are rife in political circles over the delay in Awami League (AL) General Secretary and Public Administration Minister Syed Ashraful Islams return from London. Syed Ashraful went to London on September 20 on a personal tour and was supposed to return on October 4, said ministry sources. While personal staff of Syed Ashraful, Syed Tofazzal Islam, yesterday told The Independent, Yes, Ashraf Sir was supposed to return on October 4. But I dont know when he is coming. I will inform you as soon as I know. Apparently, Syed Ashraful was to visit London to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with his family. However, he changed plans after a two-hour-long meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Gana Bhaban. Since BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia is now in London, rumour runs high in the air that there might be a meeting between Ashraf and Khleda to resolve the ongoing political crisis. Khaleda Zia left for London from Dhaka on September 15 on a month-long personal tour for her eye treatment and to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha with family members. On August 10, BNP spokesperson Asaduzzaman Ripon had said that she was scheduled to leave for London where her elder son Tarique Rahman was staying since 2008 within a day or two however, she postponed her trip. A staff member of Khaledas media wing Sairul Kabir Khan said, The date of madams return has not been finalised yet. Reporters from have fabricated stories about her return. On the rumoured talks between Syed Ashraful and Khaleda, he said, I dont know any further in this regard but I think something is happening in London. A source close to BNP Vice Chairman Tarique Rahman told this correspondent yesterday that Khaleda might return to Bangladesh in the first week of November. Whereas an AL leader close to Syed Ashraful told this correspondent on Friday, Ashraf Bhai went to London on an assignment. But he said that he did not know whether there would any discussion between Syed Ashraful and Khaleda could be held in London.