Staff reporter :
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, currently residing in London at her eldest son Tarique Rahman’s residence, is eager to return home following a 17-day treatment at London Clinic, her personal physician AZM Zahid Hossain has said.
Speaking at a doa mahfil organized by the UK chapter of Jubo Dal in remembrance of Khaleda Zia’s youngest son, Arafat Rahman, Dr. Zahid stated that her health condition has stabilized.
“Madam’s physical condition is very stable now. She is eager to return to the country.
On Tuesday, she also said, ‘Let us return to Bangladesh quickly. The country is a good place for us,'” Zahid remarked at the event held at Brick Lane Mosque in East London on Tuesday after Isha prayers.
Zahid, who is also a BNP standing committee member, highlighted that Khaleda Zia’s well-being has improved as she remains with her family, including her son Tarique Rahman, eldest daughter-in-law Zubida Rahman, youngest daughter-in-law Syeda Shamila Rahman, and three granddaughters. Condemning the Awami League regime as fascist, Zahid alleged that Khaleda Zia had been imprisoned for an extended period under a fabricated case. He noted that her return to Bangladesh would be determined after receiving results from pending medical tests. Expressing gratitude for the prayers offered for her recovery, he affirmed that Khaleda Zia remains mentally engaged with the people in their struggle for the restoration of democracy.
“Begum Zia was uncompromising in restoring democracy before, and she still believes that democracy will return to the country soon,” Zahid said, adding that she remains hopeful that the people of Bangladesh will soon regain their right to vote and enjoy a democratic atmosphere.
Zahid further relayed that Khaleda Zia urged BNP leaders and activists to work towards that goal. He also emphasized the role of her son, Tarique Rahman, who has been leading the movement for 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 determine when he (Tarique Rahman) will return to the country. We are hopeful that our leader, Tarique Rahman, will return soon.”
The event was attended by UK BNP President and Chairperson’s Adviser MA Malek, General Secretary Koysor M Ahmed, and Swechchhasebak Dal General Secretary Abul Hossain. UK Jubo Dal President Rahim Uddin hosted the gathering.