Khaleda to celebrate Eid with family in London after nearly 8 years

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, currently staying in London, is set to celebrate Eid with her entire family for the first time in nearly eight years.

Khaleda, who went to London on 8 January, will celebrate Eid ul-Fitr with her eldest son Tarique Rahman, his wife Zubaida Rahman, their daughter Zaima Rahman, her younger son Arafat Rahman Koko's wife Shamila Rahman, and her two granddaughters Zafia Rahman and Zahia Rahman.

Speaking to UNB over the phone from London, her personal doctor AZM Zahid Hossain said Khaleda Zia is now in a stable health condition as she prepares to celebrate Eid with her family after such a long time.

He said Khaleda has been receiving treatment at home under the supervision of Professors Patrick Kennedy and Jennifer Cross from The London Clinic since being discharged from the hospital on 25 January.

Zahid said a medical team is continuously monitoring her health and providing the necessary care.

Asked about the possibility of Khaleda Zia returning to Bangladesh, Dr Zahid said she could return any time after Eid, depending on the advice of her medical team. 

"The final decision rests on the approval of her medical team. I hope she'll return home very soon with the medical board's decision, as her condition is now stable."

Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated in the UK either on Sunday or Monday, depending on the sighting of the moon.

The last time Khaleda was in London for medical treatment was in 2017, when she stayed at Tarique Rahman's residence for three months and celebrated Eid al-Adha with her family. 

Since her imprisonment on 8 February 2018, she has not been able to celebrate Eid with her entire family.

Khaleda reached London on 7 January for advanced medical care and was admitted to The London Clinic.

After being discharged from the clinic on 25 January, the BNP chairperson moved to Tarique Rahman's residence, where she has been receiving treatment under the supervision of Professor John Patrick Kennedy and Professor Jennifer Cross.

The 79-year-old former prime minister has long been suffering from several health conditions, including liver cirrhosis, kidney and heart issues, diabetes, and arthritis.