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Khaleda Zia Heads to London Tonight: Long-Awaited Reunion with Son Tarique
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07 Jan 2025, 11:52
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After a long wait, former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is set to depart for London tonight for medical treatment.
She will leave from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10 PM on Tuesday (January 7). The air ambulance carrying her is scheduled to land at Heathrow Airport in the UK at 10 AM Bangladesh time on Wednesday (January 8), where she will receive VIP protocol.
Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, Khaleda Zia’s personal physician and a member of the BNP’s standing committee, stated that she will be admitted to a hospital under the NHS at a traditional and renowned facility known as the London Clinic. From Heathrow International Airport, she will be taken directly to the hospital where she will remain under treatment.
According to her personal secretary, ABM Abdus Sattar, Khaleda Zia will leave her residence in Gulshan, Firazah, at 8 PM and complete immigration formalities at the airport by 9 PM.
It has been reported that accompanying Khaleda Zia will be her personal doctors, including Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, Dr. Md. Shahabuddin Talukder, Dr. Nur Uddin Ahmed, and Dr. Mohammad Al Mamun. Also joining her will be Syeda Sharmila Rahman, the wife of her late younger son Arafat Rahman Koko. Among the party leaders are Dr. Mohammad Enamul Haque Chowdhury, a member of her advisory council, executive committee member Tabith Awal, her personal secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, personal assistant Md. Masudur Rahman, protocol officer SM Parvez, and domestic workers Fatema Begum and Rupa Sultana.
Meanwhile, after eight long years, Khaleda Zia is set to reunite with her elder son Tarique Rahman in London. The last time she saw him in person was in 2016 when they performed Umrah together on a royal invitation from Saudi Arabia. Since then, eight years have passed without any meetings between them. During the tenure of the Awami League government, Khaleda Zia was denied the opportunity for advanced medical treatment abroad, and she had not traveled outside the country during this period.
Khaleda Zia was released on an executive order on August 5, the day after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. She had been imprisoned for more than two years on corruption charges during the Awami League’s rule and was not permitted to travel abroad for medical treatment. Thus, her medical procedures, including surgeries, were conducted under the supervision of local doctors.
Finally, Khaleda Zia is heading abroad. She will be taken to London, UK, tonight by air ambulance for advanced medical treatment, marking the first meeting between the mother and son after eight years.
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Tarique Calls for Unity to Restore Democracy: Fakhrul
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has urged all to work together with patience to establish democracy in the country.
"A huge victory has come through the student-people mass uprising. To make this victory fruitful and successful, everyone must keep patience and work together. Through this, democracy will be re-established," he said while talking to the journalists at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on return home from London.
Everyone must prepare for the first step of democracy, which is the election, he said, adding that everyone must keep patience and work together in this regard.
The BNP Secretary General said, "The purpose for which I went to London has been fruitful. I met with party's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. I have talked to expatriate Bangladeshis and BNP leaders and also attended various meetings organized by them."
"The London visit has been fruitful," he added.
As the journalists asked him when the acting chairman of the party may return to the country, Fakhrul said that there are many false cases against him.
Tarique Rahman will return to the country once his legal issues are solved, he said.
In response to another question, the BNP Secretary General said, "The political parties are supporting the interim government led by Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus. We expect that the government will follow the path of holding elections after completing the minimum reforms that are necessary."
The BNP Secretary General went to London with his wife Rahat Ara Begum on November 30. His flight landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 12:45pm today.
While staying in London, he met with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and also participated in several party programmes. His wife Rahat Ara Begum underwent a health check-up and took advice of the physicians concerned.
BNP leaders Farhad Hossain Azad, Abu Mohammad Ahsan Firoz, Sadi Ahmed, and BNP Media Cell Member Shairul Kabir Khan were present to welcome the BNP Secretary General at the airport.
(Source: BSS)
U.S. State Department Report: / Awami League Portrayed Political Opponents as 'Terrorists'
The U.S. State Department has reported that while no international terrorist incidents occurred in Bangladesh in 2023, the Awami League government frequently portrayed the activities of political opponents as akin to terrorism.
This information was detailed in the State Department's annual report on "terrorist" activities worldwide, published on Thursday, December 12.
The report noted that Bangladeshi law enforcement agencies maintained a strong stance against militant groups, particularly Ansarullah Bangla Team (an Al-Qaeda affiliate) and Neo-JMB (a group linked to ISIS). However, it also highlighted allegations of extrajudicial killings and human rights violations by some segments of Bangladesh’s security forces.
Additionally, the report mentioned an attack by the armed group Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region that claimed the lives of three soldiers in 2023.
Online extremism was flagged as a concern in Bangladesh, with the report citing the December arrest of two members of the banned group Hizb ut-Tahrir, accused of organizing an online conference.
Furthermore, the report acknowledged that in 2023, the Bangladesh government replaced the controversial Digital Security Act of 2018 with the Cyber Security Act, which gave the police enhanced authority to curb online terrorist activities.
Tarique Rahman Expresses Solidarity with South Korea’s Democracy Movement
Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of Bangladesh’s opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has voiced strong support for the people of South Korea as they continue their pro-democracy struggle. In a statement released on social media, Rahman drew parallels between South Korea’s fight for democratic governance and Bangladesh’s decade-long battle against what he described as a ‘repressive regime.’
“Standing in solidarity with the courageous people of South Korea as they continue their stand for democracy,”Rahman wrote, acknowledging the shared experience of confronting political oppression. “In Bangladesh, we have endured a repressive regime for over a decade, and so we deeply understand the pain, resilience, and resolve it takes to confront oppression.”
Rahman also criticized the misuse of democratic mechanisms by elected governments, calling it a challenge faced by both nations. “Both our nations know the dangers of elected governments exploiting democratic loopholes for their own purposes,” he said. However, he emphasized the resilience of ordinary citizens, stating that the successes of pro-democracy movements in both countries underscore the unyielding power of a determined populace.
Rahman urged political leaders and citizens to remain vigilant to prevent future threats to democracy. “By building strong democratic institutions, we can protect the rights of our people and secure a just and free society,” he added.
The BNP leader’s comments come at a time of heightened political tension in Bangladesh, where opposition parties, including the BNP, have accused Awami League government of stifling dissent and undermining democratic norms. Rahman, who has lived in exile in London since 2008, remains a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s opposition politics.
Rahman’s message also signals a broader call for international solidarity among nations striving to preserve democratic principles. With hashtags like #Democracy, #Bangladesh, and #SouthKorea, his statement has sparked discussion on the interconnectedness of global democratic movements.
The pro-democracy struggle in South Korea, which has captured international attention, serves as a poignant reminder of the shared challenges and hopes of democracy advocates worldwide.
Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal Announces Program for Victory Day
On the occasion of the Great Victory Day, the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) has announced nationwide programs for December 16. This information was conveyed in a press release issued on Saturday (December 14) by JCD Office Secretary Md. Jahangir Alam.
The press release stated that December 16 marks the Great Victory Day. To commemorate the day, JCD will organize Victory Rallies with the national flag at all educational institutions under its district, metropolitan, university, college, upazila, thana, and municipal branches across the country.
Leaders and activists of the organization have been instructed to participate in these programs. The directive was issued by JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir.
Tarique Rahman Urges Unity and Reform in Victory Day Message
In his Victory Day message, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman called for celebrating the occasion free from "fascism" and urged reforms to establish a truly democratic Bangladesh.
“This Victory Day, celebrated in an environment free from fascism, is certainly more joyful and significant,” Rahman said in a statement on social media. He expressed hope that future observances would reflect a stronger commitment from the state to the welfare of its people.
Rahman emphasized the need for unity and structural reforms, warning against complacency. “We must harness this unity to build a Bangladesh free from discrimination and division,” he said, adding that empowering the people is crucial for sustainable national unity.
The opposition leader criticized past governance practices and called for transparency from the interim government. He urged it to share a clear roadmap with objectives and timelines, asserting, “The people have the right to know the interim government’s practical roadmap.”
Central to his vision is a parliament composed of genuinely elected representatives. “A parliament reflecting the aspirations of the people serves as the cornerstone of democratic governance,” Rahman stated. He underscored the importance of harmony between an accountable government and a functional parliament for sustainable democracy.
Rahman’s Victory Day remarks combined celebration with a call for reform, unity, and accountability, highlighting the enduring challenges in fostering a democratic system that empowers the people.
Conspirators have Placed Agents into BNP: Tarique Rahman
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today said conspiracy against the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh has not stopped, it continues.
“The conspirators have also inserted agents into the BNP. Therefore, everyone must be on alert. The conspirators must be resisted with an iron hand,” he said while virtually addressing three workshops on 31-points for repairing the state structure in Gazipur, Dhaka and Naryanganj this afternoon.
BNP chairperson’s adviser Ismail Jabiullah, Dhaka division organizing secretary Kazi Saieydul Alam Babul, media cell member Mahmuda Habiba, BNP executive member Abdus Sattar Patowari, assistant health secretary Dr Rafiqul Islam Bacchu, assistant labour secretary Humayun Kabir Khan, Mayor Majibur Rahman and Aktarul Alam Master, among others, were present at the workshop with BNP Gazipur district unit president Fazlul Haque Milon in the chair. Its general secretary Shah Riazul Hannan conducted it.
Tarique Rahman said the main autocrat has fled. “But the tail of the body remains in the country. They are plotting deep conspiracies. They must be resisted with an iron hand. This is my instruction. The party's reputation and the people's trust cannot be destroyed," he said.
He said BNP leaders and activists have maintained the unity of the party and the trust of the people, despite facing many torture and sufferings over the past 17 years. Now, if anyone try to harm this trust and belief to achieve their own interests, they must be resisted, he added.
He said, "I can say with cent percent guarantee that the upcoming elections will be much tougher than any previous elections.”
Regarding the upcoming national election, Tarique Rahman warned party leaders and activists to not suffer from overconfidence.
“If anyone thinks there is no opponent or the opposition is weak, and the election will be easy, they are wrong. This election will be far tougher than any of the ones held in the past. So, prepare yourselves accordingly," he added.
The BNP acting chairman said BNP's significant public support has made it a target of envy for many political parties and individuals.
He said the countrymen are looking at the BNP. They have high expectations, he said, adding that when millions of people have expectations from a political party, the responsibility becomes much greater.
Tarique Rahman said people believe that only BNP can do something good. And this is the success of BNP, he added.
He said the greatest success of a political party is to earn the trust of the people. “It is the responsibility of all of us to maintain this trust,” he added.
He said, “We do not believe in dummy elections, ballot stuffing overnight, or rigged elections. We believe in free, fair, and transparent elections where people can vote freely without fear.”
The acting chairman of BNP said, "The 31-point must be taken to the marginalized people. We have to go to every citizen of the society for it."
(Source: BSS)
BNP’s 31-Point Reform Plan Reflects United Voice Against Authoritarian Rule: Tarique Rahman
Tarique Rahman, Acting Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has stated that the party’s 31-point plan for state reform is not solely their own but represents the collective opinions of all parties and organizations participating in the simultaneous movement to oust the authoritarian Awami League government.
Speaking as the chief guest at a training workshop on the “31-Point State Reform Plan and Public Engagement,” organized by BNP’s Training Affairs Committee for the districts of Manikganj, Narsingdi, and Munshiganj on Thursday (December 19), he emphasized that the plan reflects a united anti-authoritarian stance.
Rahman explained, “The 31 points are not just BNP’s agenda. Initially, BNP proposed 27 points. Later, through discussions with the political parties and organizations involved in the joint movement against the authoritarian regime, these 31 points were finalized. Therefore, this is a reflection of the collective opinion of everyone opposing authoritarianism.”
He added that BNP remains open to including any reasonable suggestions from others into their 31-point plan.
Rahman underscored the party’s commitment to implementing the plan, citing BNP’s proven ability to deliver on reforms in the past. “This is not just rhetoric. We have evidence that we can and will implement these changes,” he said.
He highlighted BNP’s achievements, such as resolving water issues through canal excavation and doubling food production post-independence. BNP was also the first to export food from the country, introduced free education up to the intermediate level to empower women, and launched the food-for-education program to promote education.
Rahman criticized rival governments, stating, “Interim or authoritarian regimes boast about two major accomplishments: remittance and the garment industry. But both of these were initiated by BNP for the benefit of the nation and its people.”
