[🇧🇩] Monitoring Khaleda Zia's political and health issues

[Saif]

Khaleda reunites with son Tarique after seven years

Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Khaleda Zia was directly taken to London Clinic after arriving at Heathrow International Airport in the United Kingdom on Wednesday...

www.newagebd.net

Khaleda reunites with son Tarique after seven years
Staff Correspondent 08 January, 2025, 18:20

Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman hugs his ailing mother, Khaleda Zia, the chairperson of the party, on her arrival at Heathrow International Airport in the United Kingdom on Wednesday. | New Age photo

Khaleda admitted to hospital

Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Khaleda Zia was directly taken to London Clinic after arriving at Heathrow International Airport in the United Kingdom on Wednesday.

According to the party’s media cell, the air ambulance carrying Khaleda Zia landed at Heathrow at about 9:00am local time (3:00pm Bangladesh time) on Wednesday.

Her son, party’s acting chairperson Tarique Rahman, along with his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman, welcomed Khaleda Zia at the airport in an emotional reunion as the mother met with her son after seven years.

Tarique embraced his mother and Zubaida Rahman also became visibly emotional upon meeting her mother-in-law after long separation.

The reunited family then directly left for hospital. Upon reaching London Clinic, Khaleda was admitted under Professor Patrick Kennedy, according to BNP media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan.

Party insiders confirmed that Bangladesh acting high commissioner to the UK Hazrat Ali Khan greeted Khaleda Zia at Heathrow with a bouquet of flowers.

Senior leaders of the party’s UK unit were also present to welcome the party chairperson. Several hundred party leaders and activists also gathered outside the airport at the time to greet their leader.

After completing immigration formalities, Khaleda departed for hospital in a car chauffeured by her son.

Earlier, the BNP chairperson left Dhaka at about 11:45pm on Tuesday for London for treatment in air ambulance provided by the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The 79-year-old former prime minister has long been suffering from several health issues, including liver cirrhosis, heart disease and kidney problems.

The now-ousted Awami League regime refused to let ailing Khaleda to seek medical treatment abroad, rejecting the BNP’s repeated demand.

Following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led regime through a student-led mass uprising on August 5, 2024, all cases against Khaleda Zia were dismissed through an executive order, paving the way for her to travel abroad for treatment.

Khaleda Zia last travelled to London on July 16, 2017 for follow-up treatment. Upon her return, she was imprisoned in early 2018 in connection with several cases.​

 

[Saif]

Tarique Rahman drives Khaleda Zia to hospital from airport

He started from the airport at 10:15 am (local time) and reached the hospital around 11:00 am, accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman.

en.prothomalo.com

Tarique Rahman drives Khaleda Zia to hospital from airport
Saidul Islam
London
Published: 08 Jan 2025, 19: 32

Tarique Rahman with his wife on the front passenger seat driving his mother to the hospital from the London airport on 8 January, 2024. Prothom Alo

Tarique Rahman has driven his mother Khaleda Zia to a hospital in central London, immediately after her flight landed at the Heathrow airport.

He started from the airport at 10:15 am (local time) and reached the hospital around 11:00 am, accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman.

Khaleda Zia will receive advanced treatment there as she has long been suffering from various health complications, including liver cirrhosis, kidney and heart-related ailment, diabetes, and arthritis.


Earlier, a special air ambulance with former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia and a medical team on board landed at the airport around 9:05 am.

Her elder son Tarique, acting chairman of the BNP, along with his wife, welcomed her at the airport, while the acting high-commissioner of Bangladesh in the UK, Hazrat Ali Khan, received her with a flower bucket.

The BNP chief last visited London on 15 July 2017. Since then, she has not met her son who has been in exile in the UK as she was not allowed to depart the country.

To welcome her in London, a large number of BNP leaders and activists, including BNP’s UK wing president MA Khalek and its general secretary Kaisar M Ahmad, gathered at the airport.

She is supposed to leave the airport through the royal VVIP gate of the airport, upon completion of immigration formalities.

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani provided the special air ambulance from the royal fleet after learning about the illness of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Four doctors and paramedics from Qatar and six members of Khaleda Zia's medical board from Dhaka accompanied her in the air ambulance.​

 

[Saif]

Khaleda Zia’s condition stable in London clinic

Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who was undergoing treatment at the London Clinic with multiple diseases, was in stable condition.

www.newagebd.net

Khaleda Zia’s condition stable in London clinic
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 10 January, 2025, 22:10

Khaleda Zia speaks to her daughter-in-law Zubaida Rahman in London. | BSS photo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who was undergoing treatment at the London Clinic with multiple diseases, was in stable condition.

After being admitted to the clinic on Wednesday, her eldest son and BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, who is in London, was with her until midnight. At that time, Khaleda Zia took food cooked by her daughter-in-law Zubaida Rahman. Tarique took breakfast from home for her mother Thursday morning, a UK BNP leader said.

Khaleda Zia went to London by a special air ambulance sent by the emir of Qatar from Bangladesh Tuesday night for advanced treatment. Later, the BNP chairperson was taken directly to the London Clinic, a specialised hospital in the West London.

The former prime minister’s treatment began there under professor Patrick Kennedy, said her personal physician and BNP standing committee member professor AZM Zahid Hossain.

Khaleda Zia has been suffering from various health complications for a long time. She was admitted to Evercare Hospital 15 times due to various diseases. The doctors of the medical board always recommended her for further treatment at the multidisciplinary advance centre abroad. But she was not given the opportunity to receive treatment abroad.

The changed situation after the fall of the Awami League government made it easier for Khaleda to get better treatment abroad.

A member of the BNP media cell said Thursday night that professor Kennedy would take the advice of the specialist doctors who needed to be consulted while keeping Khaleda Zia admitted in the hospital.

He also said that Khaleda Zia was quite cheerful. Her morale was very strong and physical condition was stable.​

 

[Saif]

Khaleda Zia's physical condition is improving: Physicians

Physical condition of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who is undergoing treatment at London Clinic, UK is improving. Bangladeshi journalist staying in London Shaheed Shafique quoted BNP Standing Committee member and chairperson’s personal physician Professor Dr A

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Khaleda Zia's physical condition is improving: Physicians
BSS
Published :
Jan 11, 2025 23:42
Updated :
Jan 11, 2025 23:42

Physical condition of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who is undergoing treatment at London Clinic, UK is improving.

Bangladeshi journalist staying in London Shaheed Shafique quoted BNP Standing Committee member and chairperson’s personal physician Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain as saying, "Madam is better today (Saturday) than Thursday, her physical condition is improving.”

He said despite today was weekend (holiday) in London doctors are intensively monitoring Begum Zia’s treatment at the London Clinic as her health check-ups are also underway.

“She is spending time with her family. She is very happy and smiling. Please pray for Madam,” said Dr Zahid.

UK BNP President MA Malek said Begum Zia is doing very well now. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, is always with her mother as well as her daughter-in-law Dr Zubaida Rahman and granddaughters are there.

She was admitted to London Clinic on January 8 for advanced medical treatment. In this specialised hospital, she is undergoing treatment under the supervision of specialist physician Professor Dr Patrick Kennedy.

Begum Khaleda Zia arrived at London's Heathrow International Airport at 2:55 pm (Bangladesh Time) in a special air ambulance equipped with modern medical facilities sent by the Emir of Qatar from Dhaka via Qatar.

After completing immigration procedures at the airport, she was taken directly to the London Clinic and admitted under Professor Kennedy after reviewing previous medical reports.​

 

[Saif]

Khaleda still a symbol of unity and solidarity for BNP

Writer and researcher Mahiuddin Ahmad has written a political narrative about Khaleda Zia, titled 'Khaleda'. In this context, he commented, "Our political field has many players. Each one is a window through which a particular time period can be seen and understood. After Maulana Abdul Hamid...

en.prothomalo.com

Khaleda still a symbol of unity and solidarity for BNP
Sohrab Hassan
Updated: 13 Jan 2025, 22: 32

Tarique Rahman welcomes his mother Khaleda Zia in LondonBSS

Writer and researcher Mohiuddin Ahmad has written a political chronicle about Khaleda Zia, titled “Khaleda”. In this book, he commented, “Our political field has many players. Each one is a window through which a particular time period can be seen and understood. After Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sirajul Alam Khan, Siraj Sikder, and Tajuddin Ahmad, my current subject is Khaleda Zia.”

When politicians are in power, it is hard to understand their true popularity. State-run media and loyal propagandists place leaders on pedestals and constantly promote their glory. Politicians often use various tactics to inculcate “mandatory” reverence among their party members and supporters. Praising the leader becomes an essential task for party workers to retain their positions. However, once they are ousted from power, we often see their magnified glory dissipate like a bubble.

Among the politicians who have earned widespread respect and reverence from the people, even when out of power, Khaleda Zia undoubtedly is one of them. Many people, who are not aligned with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) or its ideologies, still admire Khaleda Zia as a politician.

This respect has been earned through her personal etiquette and courtesy. She talks less, which can also be seen as a virtue. In contemporary Bangladesh, it seems no politician is as popular as she is. Since 1991, Khaleda Zia has not lost any elections. Even in elections where BNP lost, she managed to garner record numbers of votes in every constituency.

In 2007, when a military-backed government took power, numerous cases were filed against the two female leaders, eventually leading to their arrests. However, after struggling to deal with both domestic and international situations, they were forced to release them. Former Indian president Pranab Mukherjee’s book “The Coalition Years” provides fascinating details on this matter.

Many people, who are not aligned with BNP or its ideologies, still admire Khaleda Zia as a politician. This respect has been earned through her personal etiquette and courtesy

The military-backed government’s targets were the two female leaders and their respective parties. Yet, after the Awami League came to power in 2009, all the cases against Sheikh Hasina were swiftly disposed of, while Khaleda Zia’s cases remained unresolved. In 2018, she was sentenced in two “controversial” cases and sent to prison.

Since then, political activities of Khaleda Zia have apparently come to a halt. After serving 25 months in prison, the Awami League government suspended her sentence through an executive order but did not permit her to go abroad for treatment.

In contrast, many others, including the late president HM Ershad and former minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, had been granted bail after being convicted in corruption cases. During this time, Khaleda Zia’s son Tarique Rahman, residing in London, has been running the party as the acting chairman.

Even though Khaleda Zia has not been involved in political activities, she is still regarded as the main pillar and hope of BNP. After the mass uprising in July that led to the fall of the Awami League government, the travel ban on Khaleda Zia was lifted. After several months of preparation, she traveled to London on 7 January 2025, in an air ambulance provided by the Qatar Emir. She is currently receiving treatment at the London Clinic.

There appears to be no substantial basis for the political speculation surrounding her trip to London. The situation in 2007 and 2025 is not the same. In 2007, the conflict between BNP and Awami League pushed the country towards a catastrophic situation. One of the key figures behind the changeover in power in 1/11, Moeen U Ahmed, explained the background of the situation in his memoir “Shantir Swopne: Somoyer Smiritcharon”.

The political transitions in 17 years between these two events are significantly different. The 1/11 event happened by the military’s unilateral decision, with no active role from the politicians.

In contrast, the 2024 change of power came about through an uprising of students and the people, where the military did not oppose the people. Rather, they welcomed the change and played a role in forming the interim government.

Recently, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman stated in an interview with Prothom Alo that the military has no intention of entering politics, and instead, they support the democratic process and interim government.

There has been political discussion about a meeting between Khaleda Zia and the army chief before her departure, but this seems mostly speculative. A member of BNP’s standing committee told Prothom Alo, “She (Khaleda Zia) is going abroad for treatment. The army chief and his wife visited her to inquire about her health. As far as I know, the meeting was solely about her health and treatment, not politics or anything else.” (Prothom Alo, 5 January 2025)

According to BBC reports, while Khaleda Zia’s trip to London for treatment has brought both relief and concern within BNP, there is much speculation within the party about how the absence of the two top leaders might affect the situation. This indicates that Khaleda Zia’s presence is crucial for both her party and democracy in Bangladesh.

When asked about the delay in her departure at the end of December, a central leader of BNP said, “Given her current physical condition, there is no obstacle for her to go abroad. However, many things depend on her presence in the country.”

Although he didn’t elaborate, he acknowledged that there is some internal pressure in the BNP. Violent clashes have occurred in various places over potential candidates for the upcoming elections. Actions have been taken against several central leaders, but the situation remains unresolved.

At this moment, the party leaders and workers are somewhat concerned about the absence of both the party chief and the acting chairman. The people of the country also hope that after receiving treatment, Khaleda Zia will return to lead the party again. She is seen as the symbol of unity and solidarity within the party.

Questions have also arisen about when Tarique Rahman will return to the country. A member of BNP’s standing committee said recently, “The environment is not yet conducive for Tarique Rahman’s return.”

Is he suggesting something about the cases filed against him, or is there another reason? If it’s about the cases, there may not be much concern as most of the cases against Khaleda and Tarique are close to final resolution.

While it’s unclear when the conducive environment for Tarique Rahman’s return will be created, Khaleda Zia’s trip to London is undoubtedly not an exit; it signals a potential political return.

* Sohrab Hassan is joint editor at Prothom Alo and a poet.

** This op-ed appeared in the print and online edition of Prothom Alo and has been rewritten for the English edition by Rabiul Islam​

 

[Saif]

Khaleda Zia wishes to return home soon: Dr Zahid

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who is currently in London at her eldest son Tarique Rahman's residence after receiving treatment for 17 days at London Clinic, is eagerly waiting to return home, said her personal physician, Dr AZM Zahid Hossain. "Madam's physical condi

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Khaleda Zia wishes to return home soon: Dr Zahid
BSS
Published :
Jan 29, 2025 23:32
Updated :
Jan 29, 2025 23:32

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who is currently in London at her eldest son Tarique Rahman's residence after receiving treatment for 17 days at London Clinic, is eagerly waiting to return home, said her personal physician, Dr AZM Zahid Hossain.

"Madam's physical condition is very stable now. She is eager to return to the country. Yesterday, she also said, 'Let us return to Bangladesh quickly. The country is a good place for us," Dr Zahid told a du'a mahfil organised by the UK chapter of Jubo Dal, marking the death anniversary of Begum Zia's youngest son, Arafat Rahman.

The prayers were held at Brick Lane Mosque in East London after Isha prayers on Tuesday (London time).

Dr Zahid, also BNP standing committee member, said Khaleda Zia is now doing better as she is living with her eldest son Tarique Rahman, eldest daughter-in-law Dr Zubida Rahman, youngest daughter-in-law Syeda Shamila Rahman, and three granddaughters.

Terming the AL regime a fascist rule, he said Begum Zia was imprisoned for a long time in a fabricated case during the regime.

He said the decision on Begum Zia's return to Bangladesh will be taken after receiving some medical test reports.

Dr. Zahid expressed gratitude to everyone for their prayers for Begum Zia.

"Begum Zia is mentally with you [countrymen] in the struggle for the restoration of democracy. She was uncompromising in restoring democracy before, and she still believes that democracy will return to the country soon," he said.

Khaleda Zia believes the people, who are the owners of the country, will get a democratic atmosphere along with obtaining the opportunity to exercise their voting rights soon, he said.

Dr Zahid said the BNP chief called upon the party men to work towards that goal.

He said Tarique Rahman has worked for the restoration of democracy for the past 15 years. "He is currently leading the movement to restore democracy. We are very optimistic; even if the mother and son do not go together, the situation will tell when he (Tarique Rahman) will return to the country. We are very optimistic that our leader, Tarique Rahman, will return soon," he said.

UK BNP President and Chairperson's Adviser MA Malek, General Secretary Koysor M Ahmed, and Swechchhasebak Dal General Secretary Abul Hossain were present at the event hosted by UK Jubo Dal President Rahim Uddin.​

 

[Saif]

Khaleda Zia likely to return home after Eid-ul-Fitr: UK BNP leader

BNP chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who is now in London, may return home after the holy Eid-ul-Fitr.

en.prothomalo.com

Khaleda Zia likely to return home after Eid-ul-Fitr: UK BNP leader
BSS
Published: 13 Feb 2025, 22: 54

BNP chairperson Khaleda ZiaFile photo

BNP chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who is now in London, may return home after the holy Eid-ul-Fitr.

"We have requested her to spend at least this Eid with us. We hope that if she keeps her word, she will go to Bangladesh after Eid. She is much better now than before," UK BNP president and BNP chairperson's advisory council member MA Malek told Bangladeshi journalists living in London on Wednesday.

He said Begum Zia's health condition is relatively good now as she is spending a great time at the house of his eldest son Tarique Rahman as her daughter-in-law Dr Zubaida Rahman and granddaughters are taking care of her round-the-clock.

The 79-year-old former prime minister Khaleda Zia has been suffering from various physical ailments including liver cirrhosis, kidney, heart, diabetes, and arthritis for long.

On 8 January, she was taken to London by an air ambulance for advanced treatment.

Earlier, professor AZM Zahid Hossain, Begum Zia's personal physician, told reporters in Dhaka that she has been undergoing treatment under the supervision of 'The London Clinic' physicians in London since 8 January.

Begum Khaleda Zia is under the supervision of the doctors including professor Patrick Kennedy, professor Jennifer Cross and Dr Barred.

Professor Zahid has sought prayers from all Bangladeshis for recovery of BNP Chairperson from the diseases.

Upon the clearance from physicians of the London Clinic, Khaleda Zia went to her son's house.​

 

[Saif]

SC to hear plea on Khaleda’s acquittal in Zia Charitable Trust graft case tomorrow

Earlier, the court acquitted BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and two others, who had been convicted and sentenced by the lower court in the case.

www.thedailystar.net

SC to hear plea on Khaleda’s acquittal in Zia Charitable Trust graft case tomorrow

Photo: Collected

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court is scheduled to hold a hearing tomorrow on a state plea regarding the High Court's judgment in the Zia Charitable Trust graft case.

Earlier, the court acquitted BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and two others, who had been convicted and sentenced by the lower court in the case.

The matter is listed as item number five on the apex court's cause list for February 16.

Confirming the development to BSS, Additional Attorney General Aneek Rushd Haque said that the state had filed an appeal against the High Court's judgment that acquitted Khaleda Zia and others.

"That plea has now come before the Appellate Division's regular bench for a hearing, and it has been placed on the cause list for tomorrow," he added.

On November 27, 2024, the High Court allowed two separate appeals filed by the BNP chairperson and two other convicts, challenging their conviction and sentencing by the lower court in the graft case, ultimately acquitting them of the charges.

"Appeal allowed," read the identical orders passed by the High Court bench of Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Syed Enayet Hossain on that day.

"The court allowed two separate appeals -- one filed by Khaleda Zia and another jointly filed by Ziaul Islam and Monirul Islam Khan. The court acquitted them in the case," said ACC counsel Asif Hasan while speaking to journalists after the High Court's verdict.

"During the hearing, not a single witness testified that Begum Khaleda Zia embezzled money by misusing her power in the trust. We highlighted significant inconsistencies in the First Information Report (FIR) and the charge sheet during our arguments. Accepting our pleas, the court ruled in our favour and granted the appeals."

Additionally, Khaleda Zia's counsel, Barrister Kaiser Kamal, asserted that the case was entirely politically motivated and that his client had been denied justice in the lower court.​