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

[Saif]

A special Eid for Khaleda

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is set to celebrate Eid with her family in London for the first time in nearly eight years.

www.thedailystar.net

A special Eid for Khaleda
BNP chief to celebrate festivities with family after nearly 8 years

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is set to celebrate Eid with her family in London for the first time in nearly eight years.

Khaleda, who travelled to London on January 7 for medical treatment, will spend Eid with her eldest son Tarique Rahman, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, their daughter Zaima Rahman, as well as her late son Arafat Rahman Koko's wife Shamila Rahman and granddaughters Zafia and Zahia Rahman.

Speaking to UNB from London, her personal physician AZM Zahid Hossain said Khaleda is mentally strong and in stable health as she prepares for the occasion. She has been receiving treatment at home under the supervision of Professors Patrick Kennedy and Jennifer Cross from The London Clinic since her discharge on January 25.

Zahid said a medical team is continuously monitoring her condition.

Khaleda, 79, has long suffered from liver cirrhosis, kidney and heart issues, diabetes, and arthritis.

This will be her first Eid with her entire family since her imprisonment in 2018. She last celebrated Eid in London in 2017, during a three-month stay at Tarique Rahman's residence.

Asked about the possibility of Khaleda returning to Bangladesh, Dr Zahid said she could return any time after Eid, depending on the advice of her medical team.

"The final decision rests on the approval of her medical team. I hope she'll return home very soon with the medical board's decision, as her condition is now stable," he said.

Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated in the UK either on Sunday or Monday, depending on the sighting of the moon.​

 

[Saif]

Khaleda Zia urges party men to remain united for democracy

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia has urged her party men to remain united to establish democracy. “We must cooperate with each other. We must establish the people’s right to vote through our united efforts,” she said. Khaleda Zia said this while addressing a...

en.prothomalo.com

Khaleda Zia urges party men to remain united for democracy
BSS
Dhaka
Published: 01 Apr 2025, 17: 21

BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia addresses a function virtually from London with senior party leaders at party Chairperson’s Gulshan political office on 31 March 2025 BSS

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia has urged her party men to remain united to establish democracy.

“We must cooperate with each other. We must establish the people’s right to vote through our united efforts,” she said.

Khaleda Zia said this while addressing a function virtually from London with senior party leaders at the party Chairperson’s Gulshan political office on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr on Monday evening.

Party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman also virtually joined the event while BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir gave a welcome speech.

“Your sacrifices and struggles have not gone in vain,” BNP chairperson said adding “this will surely be culminated in success.”

She wished the people a happy and prosperous Eid and sought doa of the countrymen.

Standing Committee Members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku and Selima Rahman, Vice-Chairmen Barkatullah Bulu and Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury were present, among others, while publicity secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku moderated the event.​

 

[Saif]

Khaleda expected to return by May 5

Bangladesh Nationalist Party chair and former prime minister Khaleda Zia is expected to return home from London by May 5...

www.newagebd.net

Khaleda expected to return by May 5
Staff Correspondent 29 April, 2025, 00:05

Khaleda Zia

Bangladesh Nationalist Party chair and former prime minister Khaleda Zia is expected to return home from London by May 5.

She was taken to London for advanced treatment on January 8.

‘The exact date has not been set yet, but the party chair will return home on May 3 or May 4 or May 5,’ BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told New Age on Monday.

A BNP source said Khaleda’s health condition is now better than before.

Khaleda is expected to return on the same air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar, in which she was transported to London, Fakhrul said.

He said the BNP sent a letter to the foreign ministry in the past week, seeking cooperation to ensure the air ambulance’s return.

‘The Emir of Qatar will provide the air ambulance for the BNP chair, but the matter requires government-to-government mediation, so a letter has been sent to the foreign ministry seeking assistance,’ Fakhrul said.

He explained that the foreign ministry would handle the secretarial duties in this regard.

After Khaleda was taken to London, she was admitted to a medical facility named The Clinic.

After undergoing 17 days of treatment, she was transferred to her son Tarique Rahman’s residence on January 25, where she continues to go through complete health check-ups on a regular basis.

At 79, Khaleda Zia has been suffering from several health issues, including liver cirrhosis, heart disease, and kidney problems.

The BNP had long demanded that Khaleda be allowed to have medical treatment abroad, but the Awami League government had consistently turned down the requests, citing legal hurdles related to her convictions in two cases.

However, following the popular overthrow of Sheikh Hasina’s government 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.​

 

[Saif]

Khaleda to return home from London on Monday

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will return home on Monday after her medical check-up in London.

www.thedailystar.net

Khaleda to return home from London on Monday

BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia is set to return home on Monday after four months of medical treatment in London. She will be accompanied by her daughters-in-law, Zubaida Rahman, and Syeda Sharmila Rahman.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir confirmed the development yesterday, saying, "Madam will return on the morning of the 5th. As far as we know, her two daughters-in-law, Tarique Rahman's wife Zubaida Rahman and Arafat Rahman's wife Syeda Shamila Rahman, are also expected to accompany her."

Zubaida has been in London since 2008, when she travelled there with her husband, Tarique, and their daughter, Zaima Rahman. She has not visited Bangladesh since. She will stay here for a few months before returning to London.

The BNP has written to the inspector general of police, requesting security measures, including a police escort, for Zubaida.

According to the letter, "There is a security threat to her life as a member of the Zia family and the wife of Tarique Rahman."

On January 8, Khaleda was flown to London on a special air ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar for advanced treatment.

The 79-year-old former prime minister was admitted to the London Clinic, where she underwent 17 days of treatment.

Since January 25, she has been under continued care at Tarique's residence.

BNP sources said eight individuals will accompany her on her return journey from London. Apart from her daughters-in-law, her entourage includes personal physician AZM Zahid Hossain and advisers Aminul Haque Chowdhury and Masudur Rahman.

When asked about Khaleda's current condition, Fakhrul said, "Alhamdulillah, she is definitely better than before."

"The air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar is facing some technical delays. Therefore, Madam has decided that if the air ambulance is not available at the last moment, she will return on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight instead," he added.

"All arrangements have been made for her return. If she departs on Sunday [tomorrow], InshaAllah, she will arrive in the country around 11:00am on Monday morning," Fakhrul said.

Khaleda was imprisoned in 2018 under the then Sheikh Hasina-led government following a conviction in a corruption case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission.

In March 2020, amid the pandemic, the government temporarily released her on an executive order, suspending her sentence on the condition that she remain at her Gulshan residence and not leave the country.

On August 6, 2023, Khaleda was fully freed by an order from President Mohammed Shahabuddin following the fall of the Awami League government.​

 

[Saif]

Khaleda Zia to return home by air ambulance: Mirza Fakhrul

BNP chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will return home from London on Monday on a special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir gave the information at a press conference in Gulshan on Saturday night. He informed that

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Khaleda Zia to return home by air ambulance: Mirza Fakhrul
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 03, 2025 20:21
Updated :
May 03, 2025 20:24

BNP chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will return home from London on Monday on a special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir gave the information at a press conference in Gulshan on Saturday night.

He informed that the time of arrival will be disclosed later.

Earlier, it was informed that the former prime minister will return home through a flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.​

 

[Saif]

BNP takes all-out preparations to welcome Begum Khaleda Zia

BNP has taken all-out preparations to welcome their party chief Begum Khaleda Zia who is likely to arrive in Dhaka from London on Tuesday morning, four months after receiving medical treatment there.

en.prothomalo.com

BNP takes all-out preparations to welcome Begum Khaleda Zia
BSS Dhaka
Published: 04 May 2025, 20: 02

BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia BSS

BNP has taken all-out preparations to welcome their party chief Begum Khaleda Zia who is likely to arrive in Dhaka from London on Tuesday morning, four months after receiving medical treatment there.

BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed disclosed this information at an urgent press conference at BNP headquarters in Naya Paltan Sunday afternoon.

He said when Begum Zia, also a former prime minister, will reach Dhaka, party leaders and activists will welcome her on the way from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Gulshan standing on either side of the streets. Rizvi gave some guidelines about what to do and what not to do while welcoming her.

As per the plan, Dhaka city north BNP leaders and workers will welcome her on the street from the airport to the Le Meridien Hotel, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal from Le Meridien Hotel to Khilkhet, Jubo Dal from Khilkhet to Hotel Radisson.

Then Dhaka city south BNP will be there on the street from Hotel Radisson to Army Stadium, Swechchhasebak Dal from Army Stadium to Banani graveyard, Krishak Dal from Banani graveyard to Kakoli crossing, Sramik Dal from Kakoli More to Sheraton Hotel in Banani, Ulama Dal, Tanti Dal, pro-BNP cultural wing JASAS and Matsyajibi Dal from Sheraton Hotel to Banani Kacha Bazar.

All professional organisations including the Muktijoddha Dal will stay on street from Banani Kacha Bazar to Gulshan-2. Mohila Dal from Gulshan-2 roundabout to Gulshan Avenue Road, BNP national executive committee members from Gulshan-2 roundabout to Gulshan Avenue Road and the leaders and activists coming from different districts will stand at their convenience.

Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said all the leaders and activists will stand on one side of the road holding national and party flags. No motorcycle or people on foot will be allowed to move along with the BNP chairperson's vehicle. Plus, no one will be allowed to enter the airport and the residence of BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.​

 

[Saif]

Last-minute preparations at Feroza to welcome Khaleda back

Preparations are complete at Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan residence, Feroza, as the BNP chairperson returns home after four months in London for medical treatment. The front lawn has been adorned with vibrant potted flowers, and the interior of the house has been meticulously cleaned and arranged t

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Last-minute preparations at Feroza to welcome Khaleda back
bdnews24.com
Published :
May 05, 2025 21:29
Updated :
May 05, 2025 21:31

Preparations are complete at Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan residence, Feroza, as the BNP chairperson returns home after four months in London for medical treatment.

The front lawn has been adorned with vibrant potted flowers, and the interior of the house has been meticulously cleaned and arranged to ensure a warm welcome for the party leader.

Security has been tightened around the walled compound, with police and members of the Chairperson’s Security Force (CSF) stationed at the premises.

Dedicated rooms have been prepared for security personnel in front of the residence.

Khaleda is set to arrive in Dhaka on Tuesday and will stay at Feroza upon her return.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Khaleda will depart London’s Heathrow Airport at 4:10pm local time on Monday aboard a special air ambulance arranged by the Emir of Qatar.

She will be accompanied by her daughters-in-law—Zubaida Rahman, wife of Tarique Rahman, and Syeda Sharmila Rahman Sithi, wife of the late Arafat Rahman Coco.

The air ambulance is scheduled to stop in Doha at 2:30am local time before reaching Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport at 10:30am Bangladesh time.

Khaleda’s physician, Prof AZM Zahid Hossain, confirmed the travel details and said the BNP chief is feeling much better.

The 79-year old three-time former prime minister has long battled liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, heart problems, diabetes, and arthritis.

She was treated by Patrick Kennedy and Jennifer Cross at The London Clinic for 17 days before moving to her son Tarique’s home.

Fakhrul urged BNP leaders and supporters not to crowd the streets to welcome Khaleda, citing ongoing SSC examinations.

Supporters have been instructed to stay on the pavements, carrying national and BNP flags, and avoid blocking roads.​

 

[Saif]

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/politics/crowd-gathers-at-heathrow-as-khaleda-flying-home

Crowd gathers at Heathrow as Khaleda flying home
BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman personally drives his mother to the airport

bdnews24.com
Published :
May 05, 2025 20:24
Updated :
May 05, 2025 20:24

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is returning home after four months of medical treatment in London, as party activists gathered in large numbers at Heathrow Airport to see her off.

At 2:10 pm local time on Monday, the former prime minister departed from her elder son Tarique Rahman’s residence for the airport.

Tarique, the BNP’s acting chairman, personally drove his mother to the airport, confirmed Khaleda’s personal physician Prof AZM Zahid Hossain.

He added that Khaleda was seated in the front passenger seat beside her son.

Also accompanying them in the car were her daughters-in-law Zubaida Rahman, Syeda Shamila Rahman, and Tarique’s daughter Zaima Rahman.

“After completing airport formalities, we will depart on an air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar. We’re scheduled to leave at 4pm,” he said.

They are expected to stop over in Doha and arrive in Dhaka at 10am on Tuesday.​

 

[Saif]

Khaleda Zia leaves London for Dhaka in air ambulance

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia left Heathrow Airport tonight (Monday night) for Dhaka aboard a special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar, as she is returning home nearly four months after receiving advanced treatment in London. “The special air ambulance provided by Qatar’s Emir

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Khaleda Zia leaves London for Dhaka in air ambulance
UNB
Published :
May 05, 2025 21:48
Updated :
May 05, 2025 21:48

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia left Heathrow Airport tonight (Monday night) for Dhaka aboard a special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar, as she is returning home nearly four months after receiving advanced treatment in London.

“The special air ambulance provided by Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, carrying BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and her entourage, took off around 9:35 pm (BST),” said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.

He said the flight is scheduled to reach Hamad International Airport in Doha at 1:25am, local time, and will fly to Dhaka after a stopover of one hour and 35 minutes.

Earlier, the BNP chief left the home of her elder son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman around 7pm (BST) and reached the airport in nearly 40 minutes.

Tarique personally drove his mother to Heathrow Airport and saw her off there.

Khaleda sat in the rear seat beside Tarique, while Dr Zubaida Rahman and her daughter were in the back seats of the car on their way to the airport.

A video posted by Tarique on his verified Facebook page shows him happily seeing his mother off and other entourage at the airport, saying “Allah Hafez”.

Several hundred leaders and activists of the BNP’s UK Chapter gathered near the airport to see Khaleda off.

As the party leaders and workers shouted slogans upon seeing Khaleda’s vehicle, she waved her hand towards them.

Khaleda Zia is accompanied by her two daughters-in-law—Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of her eldest son Tarique Rahman, and Syeda Shamila Rahman, wife of her late son Arafat Rahman Koko—along with other entourage members, including her medical team.

“She is expected to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at around 10am Tuesday. We hope that she will reach Dhaka on time,” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told UNB.

He urged party leaders and activists to remain alert and not cause any traffic jam during their way of giving the BNP chief a reception upon her return home, as there is an SSC exam scheduled for Tuesday.

The BNP Secretary General has also urged law enforcers and party leaders and workers to ensure that no public inconvenience arises during the reception of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Khaleda Zia travelled to London on January 8 in the same special air ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar.

Upon arrival, she was admitted to the London Clinic, a private hospital, where she remained under the care of renowned specialists Professor Patrick Kennedy and Professor Jennifer Cross for 17 days.

Since 25 January, she has been receiving treatment at the residence of her elder son, Tarique Rahman.

After 17 days at a London clinic, she had since been under the supervision of specialists Prof Patrick Kennedy and Prof Jennifer Cross at Tarique Rahman’s residence.

Meanwhile, the BNP has completed all preparations to give the BNP chief a massive reception on her way back to her Gulshan residence from the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Since the BNP chief will be travelling from Dhaka Airport to her residence in Gulshan via the Kakoli route, Fakhrul urged everyone not to stand on the road in any way. “Those who wish to welcome Madam should stand on the footpath and greet her from there. We have instructed that party leaders and activists may hold national and BNP flags while receiving her.”

He also urged the general public to use the elevated expressway from the airport to Kakoli on the day of Khaleda’s return to avoid traffic congestion.

The BNP chief’s Gulshan residence, 'Firoza', located at House 1, Road 80, has been fully prepared to welcome her.

Zubaida’s Homecoming After 17 Years

Tarique Rahman, Dr Zubaida and their daughter Zaima Rahman have been living in London since 2008.

After 17 years in exile, Dr Zubaida Rahman is also returning home with her mother-in-law, with a plan to stay at her father’s Dhanmondi residence.

Her father’s house, known as Mahbub Bhaban, located on Road 5 of Dhanmondi, is also prepared to welcome Zubaida.

Though the house is already well-kept, additional arrangements have been made so that Zubaida can stay there with comfort and security.​

 

[Saif]

Democracy still obstructed at every step, says Khaleda Zia

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has said that democracy in Bangladesh “is still being obstructed at every step,” and called for its restoration. Speaking virtually at an event marking the death anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman on Thursday, she described him as “the unique

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Democracy still obstructed at every step, says Khaleda Zia

FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 29, 2025 19:22
Updated :
May 30, 2025 00:33

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia -- File Photo

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has said that democracy in Bangladesh “is still being obstructed at every step,” and called for its restoration.

Speaking virtually at an event marking the death anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman on Thursday, she described him as “the unique architect of democracy, independence, press freedom, judicial autonomy, self-reliance, development, and a distinct nationalism.”

“The uninterrupted journey of that democracy – for which he sacrificed his life – is still being obstructed at every step,” said Ms Khaleda, who served twice as the country’s prime minister.

Also the country’s first female head of government, she expressed hope for change, saying, “Very soon, we will see Bangladesh re-established in democracy. Let this be our pledge on Zia’s martyrdom anniversary.”

In her remarks, reflecting on the national and personal pain associated with Zia’s death, the widow of the slain president said it brings “painful memories” to her family and the nation. “On this day, the entire country became grief-stricken and leaderless.”

“Martyred President Ziaur Rahman is a name inseparably tied with our beloved motherland,” she added. “Declaring independence from Chittagong, he made his name inseparable from the country. In that very Chittagong, he sacrificed his life as a successful, honest, farsighted, and true patriot president.”

The octogenarian politician urged her party leaders and citizens to continue efforts to restore democracy in a disciplined manner. “We must honour martyred Zia by implementing the politics he left behind – democracy and development for all,” she said.​