Khaleda to join political event after 6 years

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will attend her first in-person political programme in six years at an event to be organised by the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal on 21 December.

Muktijoddha Dal President Syed Ishtiaque Aziz Ulfat said they will arrange a gathering of freedom fighters at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre on Saturday (21 December) where Khaleda will be present as the chief guest.

Ulfat said he, along with BNP standing committee member Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, met the BNP chief on Saturday night and formally invited her to the programme. "She has agreed... she said that, if she is in good health, she will join the freedom fighters' gathering. We hope Madam will be able to take part in this programme."

On 4 February 2018, Khaleda presided over the extended meeting of the BNP at a hotel in Dhaka. This was her last political programme, as three days later, on February 8, she was sentenced to jail in a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Ulfat mentioned that freedom fighters from all over the country will participate in the gathering on 21 December, to celebrate the Victory Day.

Earlier, on 21 November, Khaleda Zia attended the Armed Forces Day reception at Senakunja, marking her first public appearance and participation in a state function in six years, since her imprisonment in February 2018.

Khaleda Zia has been struggling with a range of serious health issues, including liver cirrhosis, heart, lung, kidney, and eye problems. She has undergone multiple treatments at Evercare Hospital in the capital since her conditional release, under the supervision of a medical board led by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder.