The day Tarique returns to Bangladesh and leads BNP in person not that far: Dr Zahid
"The leadership he is providing from Britain — not just for BNP but for the restoration of democracy — he will be arriving to continue that in person soon," says the BNP chairperson's personal physician
The day BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman returns to Bangladesh to lead the party in person is not too far, said Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, the party's Standing Committee member and personal physician to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, today (6 May).
"Dr Zubaida Rahman has returned to the country after 17 long years. Barrister Zaima Rahman has participated in a political event in the US. Inshallah, that day is not far away when Acting Party chairman Tarique Rahman will come [home] and take leadership," he said while talking to the media at Khaleda's Gulshan residence in the capital.
"The leadership he [Tarique] is providing from Britain — not just for BNP but for the restoration of democracy — he will be arriving to continue that in person soon," he added.
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Asked about Zubaida, Dr Zahid said, "She has finally returned to the country with Khaleda Zia. She wasn't allowed to come to the country until now. Time will tell how long she will stay."
"She [Zubaida] might leave for London after a few days. But she will soon return permanently with Tarique Rahman, who will then lead the final stage of the movement to restore democracy in the country," he added.
Dr Zahid said the BNP chairperson has expressed her gratitude and well wishes to the people of Bangladesh for being able to return to the country in good health.
"Khaleda Zia had to undertake a 17-hour journey to return to the country. Although she is physically tired, she is mentally well. The BNP chairperson still wants to stand by the people of the country like she did before," he added.
"She [Khaleda] went to London four months ago for treatment. During this time, various officials from Bangladesh's interim government, various organisations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of law enforcement agencies, and the country's people played various roles. Therefore, Khaleda Zia has expressed gratitude to everyone," Zahid said.
On behalf of the BNP, Zahid expressed gratitude to the Emir of Qatar and the Qatari government for willingly providing the royal special air ambulance, which carried Khaleda to and from London.
He said the air ambulance, equipped with all royal medical facilities, was provided free of charge.
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, along with her two daughters-in-law — Tarique Rahman's wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and late Arafat Rahman Koko's wife Syeda Sharmila Rahman returned to Bangladesh this morning.
A vehicle with Khaleda seated in the front seat, while her two daughters-in-law occupied the rear seats, left the airport around 11:15am and reached her house, Firoza, around 1:25pm amid tight security measures.
Khaleda Zia marked her return home amid loud cheers of her supporters and family by walking to her residence.
During public appearances, the ailing Khaleda was often seen using a wheelchair, but she walked from her car to her residence with support from those beside her today.
Khaleda's London visit
The 78-year-old former prime minister has long been suffering from various ailments, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung, heart, eye problems, and post-Covid complications.
Khaleda Zia travelled to London on 8 January in a 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.
Tarique Rahman, Dr Zubaida, and their daughter Zaima Rahman have been living in London since 2008. It will be Zubaida's first return to Bangladesh in 17 years.
