Tarique Rahman bids farewell to Khaleda Zia

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman bid an emotional farewell to his mother, BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, as she departed for Bangladesh from London on Monday morning.

Khaleda Zia arrived at London’s Heathrow Airport at 7:40am Bangladesh time (2:10 PM local time), driven there by her son, before boarding a special air ambulance arranged by the Emir of Qatar. She is being accompanied on the return journey by her daughters-in-law, Zubaida Rahman and Syeda Sharmila Rahman.

Her return after four months of advanced medical treatment in London has sparked enthusiasm among BNP leaders and supporters. The party and its affiliated organisations are preparing to welcome her back.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir described Khaleda Zia as a symbol of resilience and democracy. “A woman leader as selfless as Khaleda Zia is rare in Asia. She has never bowed to fascism and remains a beacon of light for the nation’s independence and democracy,” he said.

Fakhrul also urged party leaders and activists to welcome Khaleda Zia respectfully by lining both sides of the road with national and party flags, while ensuring traffic remains unaffected.