NN Online:
Chief Adviser of the Interim Government Dr Muhammad Yunus has expressed pride in bringing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to the event of Armed Forces Day.
Speaking at a reception event at Senakunja on Thursday afternoon, Dr Yunus highlighted the significance of her return.
He said, “The wife of the late president Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia, is here with us today. She has not had the opportunity to attend such events for the past 12 years. We are proud to have given her this chance. Despite her long-standing illness, she has joined us on this special day, and we thank her once again. We wish her a swift recovery.”
Upon arrival at Senakunja, Khaleda was seated next to Dr Yunus, and the two engaged in conversation. Both were seen smiling and greeting each other during their interactions.
Earlier, Khaleda Zia accompanied by the wife of her late son Arafat Rahman Koko, left her Gulshan residence around 3:30pm and arrived at the reception venue around 3:45pm.
This marks her first public appearance and participation in a state function in six years, since her imprisonment in February 2018. The last time she attended the Armed Forces Day reception was in 2012.
Speaking to reporters at the event, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Khaleda Zia, who has dedicated her life to protecting democracy and the country’s independence and sovereignty, had been kept away from the patriotic armed forces for 12 years.
He expressed his gratitude to the chief adviser and the armed forces, including the chiefs of the three services, for honouring Khaleda on Armed Forces Day. “The entire nation is happy, and we are grateful for the honour bestowed upon Madam [Khaleda].”
On Tuesday night, the Armed Forces Division of the Chief Adviser’s Office invited Khaleda, also a three-time former prime minister, to attend the reception at Senakunja.
Chief of General Staff (CGS) Lieutenant General Mizanur Rahman Shamim and Principal Staff Officer (PSO) Lieutenant General ASM Kamrul Ahsan handed over the invitation letter to Khaleda.
Twenty-six other BNP leaders, including Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other senior leaders, have also been invited to attend the reception.
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has presented as the chief guest at the reception at Senakunja.
Armed Forces Day was celebrated on Thursday with various programmes amid festivity and enthusiasm, commemorating the establishment of the army, navy, and air force during the 1971 Liberation War.
