Staff Reporter:
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will celebrate this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr with her family in London, marking her first Eid with them in nearly eight years.
The former prime minister had last celebrated Eid-ul-Azha with her family in London in 2017.
Currently, Khaleda Zia is staying at the residence of her elder son, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, in London. She will be joined by her daughter-in-law Zubaida Rahman, her younger son Arafat Rahman Koko’s wife Sharmila Rahman, and her three granddaughters for the celebrations.
BNP Standing Committee members Abdul Moyeen Khan and AZM Zahid Hossain will also be in London to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, according to BNP media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan.
Khaleda Zia travelled to London in January this year for better medical treatment, where she was admitted to London Clinic hospital. After being discharged, she moved to Tarique Rahman’s house as per the recommendation of her physicians.
Her last visit to London for treatment was in 2017, when she stayed at Tarique Rahman’s residence for three months and celebrated Eid-ul-Azha with her family. Since then, she has not been able to celebrate Eid with her family due to being imprisoned for an extended period.
AZM Zahid Hossain mentioned that Khaleda Zia remains under the care of Professors Patrick Kennedy and Jennifer Cross at London Clinic and is receiving treatment at home. The medical team overseeing her care is continually monitoring her health and providing necessary treatment.
Zahid further stated that Khaleda Zia could return home any day in April, depending on the approval of her medical team.
Speaking to journalists after an Iftar gathering in London, UK BNP President MA Malek said that following a request for her to stay in the UK until after Eid, Khaleda Zia had agreed to remain until mid-April.
“She will now return home after Eid,” he confirmed. “Madam’s doctors are making the necessary preparations for her return. However, there may be some delay due to flight availability. If her flight is delayed, it could take an extra day or two, but she is prepared to return home.”
The 79-year-old former prime minister has been suffering from a range of physical ailments, including heart disease, liver problems, and arthritis.
Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will celebrate Eid in Dhaka. On Eid day, he will extend his greetings at the invitation of Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus. Earlier in the morning, he will pay tribute to the late President Ziaur Rahman at his gravesite, alongside party leaders and activists, including members of the party’s Standing Committee.
