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Khaleda Zia Eager to Return Home: Dr. Zahid
Rtv News
29 Jan 2025, 09:42
Photo: Collected
BNP Standing Committee member and Khaleda Zia's personal physician, Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, has stated that Khaleda Zia is extremely eager to return to Bangladesh. "Even yesterday, she said, 'Let’s return to Bangladesh quickly. Our country is the best for us,'" he said.
Dr. Zahid made these remarks on Tuesday (January 28) after the Isha prayer at a prayer gathering held at the Brick Lane Mosque in East London, home to a large Bangladeshi community, in observance of Arafat Rahman Koko’s death anniversary.
Dr. Zahid Hossain noted that Khaleda Zia had been imprisoned for a long time in what he described as a conspiratorial and false case under an autocratic regime. "We conducted several medical tests on her, some of which could not be done in Bangladesh. These tests were carried out at a London clinic. However, we have not yet received the reports. Once we get them, a decision will be made regarding how soon she can return to Bangladesh," he added.
Informing that the BNP leader is now in much better health, Dr. Zahid said, "Khaleda Zia is staying with her son, Tarique Rahman, her two daughters-in-law, Dr. Zubaida Rahman and Sharmila Rahman, and her three granddaughters. Naturally, when a person is surrounded by close family members, they tend to feel more cheerful. With the tireless efforts of doctors and everyone involved, she is now in a much more stable condition."
The BNP Standing Committee member expressed gratitude to everyone, saying, "We appreciate everyone who has prayed for Khaleda Zia’s recovery."
He further stated, "Let us all continue to pray for her. She has personally asked for your prayers."
Addressing the current state of the country, Dr. Zahid said that Khaleda Zia remains mentally committed to standing with the people in the struggle to restore democracy. "She has always been uncompromising in her fight for democracy, and she still believes that democracy will soon be restored in Bangladesh. The people will regain their right to vote in a democratic environment."
Highlighting Tarique Rahman’s role, he said, "For the past 15 years, Tarique Rahman has been working towards restoring democracy. He is currently leading the movement for its restoration. We are very optimistic that, even if mother and son do not return together, the situation itself will determine when she will return home."
The event was conducted by UK Jubo Dal President Rahim Uddin and was attended by UK BNP President and Chairperson’s Advisor M.A. Malek, General Secretary Koyser M. Ahmed, Swechchhasebak Dal General Secretary Abul Hossain, and others.
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Reform and Election Key to State Transformation: Tarique Rahman
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that both reform and election are essential for the qualitative transformation of the state, politics, and political parties. Through elections, people exercise their voting rights, which ensures their political power within the state.
He made these remarks as the chief guest at a discussion meeting on the occasion of the 46th founding anniversary of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, held on Wednesday afternoon at the Engineers’ Institution in the capital.
Tarique Rahman stated, “Questions such as ‘reform or election?’ raised by certain quarters are seen by the BNP and all patriotic political parties as mere dishonest debates. The BNP believes that both reform and election are necessary for the qualitative transformation of the state, politics, and political parties. Reform is an inevitable and continuous process to make the existing system timely. Similarly, elections are the most effective method for sustaining democratic systems and ensuring accountability.”
He added that, in the BNP’s view, unless the political and economic power of the people is ensured, democracy, human rights, or even documented reforms cannot be sustainable. The interim government has undertaken several significant reform initiatives. While reform activities are undoubtedly necessary, if these initiatives exacerbate the daily struggles of the people, they may be compelled to voice their discontent with the government’s reform agenda. Already, questions have arisen among the public: What steps has the government taken to dismantle the market syndicates formed during the era of an exiled autocrat and restore purchasing power? Why are people still compelled to run to courts over the countless cases filed during the fascist regime?
He further warned that if the interim government fails in implementing its reform plans, conspirators will seize the opportunity to undermine the spirit of the 2024 mass uprising. These conspirators have already made multiple attempts to create instability in the country.
The discussion was presided over by Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib, with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attending as a special guest. The event was moderated by Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir, with speeches delivered by central BNP leaders and former Chhatra Dal leaders.
BNP Standing Committee to Meet Khaleda Zia Today
Members of the BNP Standing Committee are set to meet with the party's Chairperson, Khaleda Zia, tonight, Sunday (January 5).
This information was disclosed on Saturday (January 4) by Shairul Kabir Khan, a member of BNP’s media cell.
He stated that the former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will meet with the Standing Committee members at her Gulshan residence, "Firoza," at 8 PM on Sunday (January 5).
Party sources indicate that Khaleda Zia is expected to travel abroad for medical treatment this week. The senior leaders of the party's top policymaking body wish to meet with her before her trip.
Khaleda Zia Heads to London Tonight: Long-Awaited Reunion with Son Tarique
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.
Gulshan Echoes with Rallies as Thousands Gather for Khaleda Zia
BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is set to depart for London tonight at 8 PM from her Gulshan residence, Firoza, for advanced medical treatment.
Thousands of party leaders and activists have gathered on the streets of Gulshan-2 and Banani, eager to catch a glimpse of their beloved leader. Their rallies and chants have filled the air, making Gulshan a hub of activity.
According to conversations with party members, Khaleda Zia will leave Firoza at 8 PM, reach the airport by 9 PM, and depart for London at 10 PM via air ambulance. However, to bid farewell to their leader, party members have been assembling in front of her residence since the afternoon, organizing rallies in waves.
Khaleda Zia to Receive 'VIP Protocol' in the UK
BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has departed for Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport from her residence, Firoza, in Gulshan on Tuesday (January 7) after 8:15 PM, to travel to London for advanced medical treatment. She will leave for London via Qatar at 10 PM aboard an air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar, and will be admitted to the "London Clinic" upon arrival.
The state-of-the-art ICU-equipped air ambulance has already arrived in Dhaka and will stop at Hamad International Airport in Qatar before heading to London. According to reports, the air ambulance carrying Khaleda Zia will land at Heathrow Airport at 10 AM UK time on Wednesday (January 8), where she will receive 'VIP protocol.' This information was shared on BNP's verified Facebook page.
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 the "London Clinic," a historic hospital under the NHS. She will be taken directly there from Heathrow International Airport for treatment.
Accompanying Khaleda Zia on the trip are her personal physician, Dr. Zahid Hossain, who has long served as her doctor, along with four doctors and paramedics on the special air ambulance. Additionally, six members of her medical board from Dhaka will join the flight, including Professor Shahabuddin Talukdar, Professor FM Siddique, Professor Nuruddin Ahmed, Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, and Dr. Mohammad Al Mamun.
Khaleda Zia's travel companions also include Syeda Sharmila Rahman, wife of her late younger son Arafat Rahman Koko, and several party leaders, including Dr. Mohammad Enamul Haque Chowdhury, Tabith Awal, and her private secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, along with some personal staff.
Earlier, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited Firoza to bid farewell to Khaleda Zia. He arrived at 6:10 PM and left at 6:35 PM after meeting with her. Other party leaders, including Amanullah Aman, Abdus Salam, Habibur Rahman Habib, Habib-Un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Engineer Ishraque Hossain, Aminul Haque, and Mamun Hasan, also met with Khaleda Zia during this time.
Notably, Khaleda Zia last visited London in July 2017 for follow-up treatment for her eyes and legs. After returning, she was imprisoned in early 2018 on multiple corruption charges. Following more than two years in jail, the government temporarily released her in March 2020 through an executive order, with her release period being extended every six months upon request.
Following the fall of the Awami League government amid a mass movement on August 5, Khaleda Zia was released through an executive order. Since then, the BNP has been preparing to take her abroad for advanced treatment.
The 79-year-old former Prime Minister suffers from various complications, including liver cirrhosis, heart disease, lung issues, arthritis, kidney problems, and diabetes. She has undergone extensive treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka under the supervision of a medical board. After being hospitalized for a month, she returned home on August 21, following the fall of the government through a student and public movement.
Khaleda Zia Departs Dhaka for London
BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia has left Dhaka for London to seek advanced medical treatment.
On Tuesday (January 7) night, shortly after 11:15 PM, a special Royal Air Ambulance flight sent by the Emir of Qatar departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Earlier, at around 10:45 PM, her motorcade arrived at the airport. Khaleda Zia’s immigration procedures were completed through a special process beforehand. However, due to the delayed arrival at the airport, the flight did not depart at its scheduled time.
Prior to this, at around 8:15 PM on Tuesday, Khaleda Zia's motorcade departed from her residence, "Firoza," in Gulshan. Supporters and activists crowded the airport road to bid her farewell, causing the motorcade to slow down and creating severe traffic congestion. It took nearly three hours for her motorcade to reach the airport.
The air ambulance carrying Khaleda Zia is scheduled to land at the United Kingdom's Heathrow Airport at 10 AM (Bangladesh time) on Wednesday (January 8). She will receive 'VIP Protocol' upon arrival, as announced on BNP's verified Facebook page.
Regarding this, Khaleda Zia’s personal physician and BNP’s standing committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain stated that she would be admitted to a renowned hospital under the NHS in London. From Heathrow International Airport, she will be taken directly to this hospital where she will receive treatment.
Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, who has been her personal physician for a long time, will accompany Khaleda Zia on her journey. The special air ambulance will also have four doctors and paramedics onboard. Additionally, six members of her medical board from Dhaka will be traveling on this flight, including Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, Professor FM Siddique, Professor Nuruddin Ahmed, Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, and Dr. Mohammad Al Mamun.
Khaleda Zia will be accompanied by her late son Arafat Rahman Koko’s wife, Syeda Sharmila Rahman. Among the party leaders, her advisor Dr. Mohammad Enamul Haque Chowdhury, executive committee member Tabith Awal, and her personal secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, along with a few personal staff, will also be accompanying her.
Earlier, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited Khaleda Zia at her residence, Firoza, to bid her farewell. He arrived at 6:10 PM on Tuesday and left after meeting her at 6:35 PM.
During this time, several leaders and activists from different levels, including BNP Chairperson’s advisors Amanullah Aman, Abdus Salam, Habibur Rahman Habib, Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, BNP International Affairs Committee member Engineer Ishraq Hossain, Dhaka Metropolitan North BNP President Aminul Haque, and Jubo Dal Senior Vice President Mamun Hasan, also met with Khaleda Zia.
It is noteworthy that Khaleda Zia last went to London on July 15, 2017, for follow-up treatment of her eyes and legs. After returning to the country, she was imprisoned at the beginning of 2018 in multiple corruption cases.
After being in prison for more than two years, the government temporarily suspended her sentence on March 25, 2020, under an executive order, granting her conditional release. Since then, the government has been extending her release period every six months upon application.
In the wake of a mass movement, the Awami League government fell on August 5, and Khaleda Zia was released by an executive order. Since then, BNP has been preparing to take her abroad for advanced medical treatment.
The 79-year-old former Prime Minister suffers from various complications, including liver cirrhosis, heart disease, lung issues, arthritis, kidney problems, and diabetes. She has been treated for a prolonged period under a medical board comprising specialist doctors at Evercare Hospital in the capital, often requiring ICU care. Following the fall of the government due to student and public movements, she returned home on August 21 after a month of treatment at Evercare Hospital.
An Emotional Reunion: Tarique Rahman Welcomes Khaleda Zia in London
BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia arrived in London on Wednesday (January 8) at 2:55 PM Bangladesh time for medical treatment. To greet her, her eldest son and BNP's acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, came to Heathrow Airport. Accompanying him was his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman.
In photos provided by the BNP media cell, Tarique Rahman is seen embracing his mother after a long wait. After assessing her physical condition at the airport, Khaleda Zia may be admitted to a clinic in London, with an ambulance prepared for her transport.
The BNP chairperson last visited London on July 15, 2017. Since then, she has not undertaken any foreign trips, and Tarique Rahman had not seen his mother in person during this time. On Tuesday at 11:47 PM, a special air ambulance carrying Khaleda Zia departed from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The flight, after a stopover in Doha, Qatar, arrived in London in the morning local time.
