United News of Bangladesh

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia has sent seasonal fruits from Bangladesh as gifts to the Emir and Prime Minister of Qatar. On behalf of the BNP chief, her adviser Dr Enamul Haque Chowdhury handed over the fruits – Lengra and Amrapali mangoes and litchis – on Wednesday to Ibrahim Fakhro, Director of Protocol at Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Speaking to UNB, Dr Enamul, who is now in Qatar, said Khaleda sent the fruits as gifts for Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. “These are simply gift items, and I personally handed them over to the concerned official,” he said. Dr Enamul said Khaleda wished for the continued progress and prosperity of Qatar and prayed for the good health of the Emir and Prime Minister. He also said the BNP chief gratefully remembered the royal air ambulance sent by the Emir earlier this year for her travel to and from London for advanced treatment. Fakhrul-led BNP delegation off to China on five-day tour Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Qatar Mohammad Nazrul Islam, Deputy Head of Mission Waliur Rahman, and General Secretary of Qatar BNP Shariful Haque Saju were present during the handover of the gift. BNP Organising Secretary Shariful Alam sent the gift packages to Qatar on June 23. On January 8, Khaleda Zia travelled to London in a royal air ambulance sent by the Emir for advanced medical treatment. After four months of treatment, she returned to Bangladesh on May 6 in the same air ambulance.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia underwent health checkups at Evercare Hospital in the capital on Wednesday night. She arrived at the hospital from her Gulshan residence around 7:47pm and stayed there for nearly four and a half hours, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said the BNP chairperson underwent several tests at the hospital as per the advice of her medical board. Later, the BNP chief left the hospital and reached her residence around 12:08am, he said. Khaleda's personal physician, AZM Zahid Hossain, said the medical board formed earlier, led by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, advised her to go for the health checkup at the hospital. "She underwent various necessary medical tests at the hospital,” he said. Zahid said the medical board will decide the next course of her treatment. Khaleda taken to Evercare Hospital for health check-up The 79-year-old former Prime Minister has been suffering from multiple health complications for several years. She has been receiving treatment at her home under the supervision of a medical board consisting of specialists from both Evercare Hospital and her personal team of doctors since she returns home from London on May 6 after undergoing four months of advanced treatment. During her stay in London, she received advanced medical care under the supervision of liver specialist Professor Patrick Kennedy. Her travel to London and return home were arranged with the support of a special air ambulance provided by Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Before departing for London, the BNP Chairperson last visited Evercare Hospital on September 12 for a health check-up.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was taken to Evercare Hospital in the capital on Wednesday evening for a health check-up. She arrived at the hospital from her Gulshan residence at around 7:47pm, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Her personal physician Professor AZM Zahid Hossain said the BNP Chairperson will undergo several tests at the hospital as per her medical board’s advice. “After the tests are done, the board will decide on the next course of action,” he said. The 79-year-old former Prime Minister has been suffering from multiple health complications for several years. She has been receiving treatment at her home under the supervision of a medical board consisting of specialists from both Evercare Hospital and her personal team of doctors. Khaleda to visit Evercare Hospital this evening for health check-up Khaleda Zia returned to Dhaka on May 6 after undergoing four months of treatment in London. During her stay in London, she received advanced medical care under the supervision of liver specialist Professor Patrick Kennedy. Her travel to London and return home were arranged with the support of a special air ambulance provided by Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Before departing for London, the BNP Chairperson last visited Evercare Hospital on September 12 for a health check-up.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on Thursday urged people, including BNP leaders and activists, to come forward with a vow to restore democracy in Bangladesh. "Very soon, we will see Bangladesh reestablished with democracy. This should be our pledge on the martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Zia. In this sense, I call upon BNP’s all-level leaders and activists as well as the people of the country to move forward in a disciplined manner,” he said addressing a discussion in the city through a virtual platform. BNP arranged the discussion at the Institution of Engineers Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium, marking the 44th martyrdom anniversary of BNP founder and President Ziaur Rahman. Khaleda Zia said Ziaur Rahman embraced martyrdom in the struggle for the establishment of democracy and protection of national sovereignty. “Even today, the uninterrupted journey of that democracy faces obstacles at every step,” she said. No bar for Khaleda Zia to participate in next election: Attorney General The BNP chairperson emphasised that the politics envisioned by Shaheed Zia – to solve all problems through ensuring democracy and development– must be implemented in order to pay a true tribute to him. BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman spoke as the chief discussant at the function presided over by BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Both the BNP leaders joined the discussion virtually. Thousands line the Dhaka streets to welcome Khaleda Zia  Besides, BNP standing committee members Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku and Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, noted educationalist Prof Mahbub Ullah and Vice Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, among others, spoke at the function moderated by BNP publicity secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku.

BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan on Monday vehemently rejected a speculation that their party is trying to rehabilitate Awami League, saying BNP would not compromise with AL under any circumstances. “Will anyone make a compromise with the Awami League while we are alive? We are not going to do it… and if anyone else tries, we’ll resist them too. There is no point in doing such an absurd thing (rubbish campaign),” he said while addressing a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club. The 12-party alliance arranged the discussion titled ‘Resist the conspiracy to disrupt election and remove barriers to the return of Tarique Rahman’. Nazrul said some are trying to carry out propaganda that BNP wants to rehabilitate Awami League. “Just think once that this is the party (AL) whose government is responsible for the most disappearances and killings of BNP leaders and activists,” he said. He said the AL government kept BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia behind bars for six years on a false charge, blocked Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s return to the country, crippled him, and his brother died in Malaysia without treatment.  BNP to set up ward-wise playgrounds in Dhaka if voted to power: Tarique “Is there a single BNP leader, including our secretary general, who doesn’t face at least 50 cases?” he added. Nazrul questioned the delay in holding parliamentary elections by December when the reform charter is set to be finalised within the next one and a half months. Citing that Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Ali Riaz said the initial round of dialogue is almost complete and they will move to the second phase this month, the BNP leader questioned how long it would take to prepare a charter by enlisting the points of consensus. “It would take a maximum of one to one and half a month (to prepare the July Charter). Not more than that,” he said. Nazrul Islam said the reforms that are possible to be executed through ordinances could be done quickly and the rest of the reform recommendations could be left for the next parliament. “So, what is your (interim government) barrier to holding the election by December?” he asked. He reiterated BNP’s stance on electoral reform, saying, “We would like to say clearly that we definitely want the reforms that are essential and possible as well as all the reforms without which a fair, free and impartial election is not possible." Nazrul Islam said they also want the power of the people to be returned to the hands of the people as soon as possible so that a government elected by the people is established, which would be responsible and accountable to the people.  Mirza Abbas, Afroza off to Singapore for treatment Presided over by 12-party alliance coordinator and Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar) Chairman Mustafa Jamal Haider, the discussion was addressed, among others, by LDP’s Shahadat Hossain Selim, Jatiya Dal’s Syed Ehsanul Huda and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam’s Mufti Mohiuddin Ekram.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed visited BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at her Gulshan residence on Sunday evening. Talking to reporters after the meeting at around 8:30pm in front of the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Oli Ahmed said, “I have a family relationship with her. From that perspective, I came to meet her. I enquired about her well-being.” Stating that Khaleda returned home after receiving advanced treatment for four months in London, the LDP chief said he also enquired about her current health condition. Mirza Abbas, Afroza off to Singapore for treatment “By the grace of Allah, she is doing well. I pray that Allah grants her continued good health,” he said. This marks the first time that the BNP Chairperson has met with a senior political leader outside her party since her return from London on May 6.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, accompanied by her two daughters-in-law, including Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of Tarique Rahman, returned home on Tuesday after nearly four months of advanced treatment in London amid a festive atmosphere and a rousing reception by thousands of people. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with senior party leaders, received Khaleda Zia at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and presented her with a bouquet. A Qatari royal air ambulance carrying the BNP chief and her entourage landed at the airport at 10:42am. After completing the required formalities at the airport, a vehicle carrying Khaleda Zia—seated in the front seat with her two daughters-in-law in the rear—left the airport. The journey to her Gulshan residence, Feroza, took over two hours due to massive crowds gathered along both sides of the route to welcome her. Thousands of BNP leaders, activists and supporters, holding banners, placards, flowers, national and party flags, and photos of Khaleda and Tarique Rahman, gathered on footpaths stretching from the airport to Khaleda’s residence from early morning to greet their beloved leader and party chief. As Khaleda’s motorcade passed, BNP supporters waved flags and showered flower petals on the convoy to welcome her home. They also chanted various slogans in a disciplined manner, demonstrating their deep love and support for Khaleda. As the party’s secretary general had earlier urged supporters not to block the road, numerous volunteers were seen actively working to keep BNP followers on the pavements and minimise traffic disruption. But, in some areas, the crowd slightly spilled onto the roadway, causing a slowdown in traffic along certain stretches. Talking to reporters at the airport, Fakhrul expressed hope that the return of party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia would facilitate the restoration and advancement of democracy in the country. “She went abroad for treatment after years of suffering under fascist oppression. With the fall of fascism, she was finally able to receive proper medical care. After nearly four months of treatment, she is returning home today. It's a matter of great joy for us and the people,” said the BNP leader. Meanwhile, BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said Khaleda Zia returned home in stable health and mental condition.  “She is a little physically tired from the journey, but mentally she is very stable.” Zahid told reporters in front of Khaleda’s residence. Tarique Rahman to return soon to lead ‘final push’ for democracy: Dr Zahid Zahid, who is also Khaleda Zia’s personal physician and accompanied her on the same air ambulance, urged the people of the country to pray for the continued recovery and well-being of the BNP Chairperson. 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 expressed gratitude, on behalf of Khaleda and the BNP, to the Bangladesh Army, BGB, police, RAB, other law enforcement agencies, and media personnel for the roles they played in safely escorting her from the airport to her residence in Gulshan. Zahid said she also conveyed her appreciation to people from all walks of life, including party leaders and activists, for the overwhelming welcome she received. The special air ambulance, provided by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, departed Heathrow Airport at around 9:35pm (BST) on Monday, carrying Khaleda and her entourage. It reached Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport following a stopover in Doha. 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 had been receiving treatment at the residence of her elder son, Tarique Rahman. Following her discharge from the London Clinic, she continued her recovery under the supervision of Professors Kennedy and Cross at Tarique Rahman’s residence. Meanwhile, the BNP chief’s Gulshan residence, ‘Feroza’, located at House 1, Road 80, had been fully prepared to welcome her. Stringent security measures were enforced around Khaleda’s residence since Tuesday morning. Members of the Army and BGB, along with law enforcement agencies, were deployed to ensure her safety and safe return to her house. Zubaida’s Homecoming After 17 Years Tarique Rahman, Dr Zubaida, and their daughter Zaima Rahman have been living in London since 2008. After 17 years in exile, Dr Zubaida Rahman also returned home with her mother-in-law. Although her father’s residence in Dhanmondi had been prepared for her stay, Zubaida proceeded directly to Khaleda’s residence from the airport. While the house is already well-maintained, additional arrangements were made to ensure Zubaida’s comfort and security. Members of the police and intelligence agencies were deployed at the residence, following a BNP request to the Inspector General of Police for armed protection, a police presence, and the installation of an archway scanner, citing potential security threats. Reunion with Mother Hours after returning home, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, went to Square Hospital in the capital to visit her ailing mother, Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu. Zubaida’s mother had been admitted to the hospital with various age-related complications on 1 May. Upon her arrival at the hospital amid tight security measures, Zubaida was welcomed with flowers by representatives of the Suravi Foundation, an organisation dedicated to working with underprivileged children, said BNP media cell member Atikur Rahman Rumon. Rumon said Zubaida went up to the hospital cabin via a special lift and embraced her mother in a heartfelt moment witnessed by close family members. After 17 years, Dr Zubaida returns home in emotional reunion “After many years apart, Zubaida was emotionally reunited with her ailing mother,” he said. Zubaida to stay for few days Dr Zahid said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will also return home very soon. He said Zubaida is expected to stay in the country for a few days. Zahid said that, with her husband and daughter still in London, it is natural for her to travel back there briefly. “She 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,” Zahid added.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia reached her Gulshan residence from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, as she returned from London along with her two daughters-in-law — Tarique Rahman’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and late Arafat Rahman Koko’s wife Syeda Shamila Rahman. 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, Feroza, around 1:25pm amid tight security measures. A Qatari royal air ambulance carrying Khaleda and her entourage landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:42am, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Khaleda returned home after nearly four months of advanced treatment in London, while Zubaida returned, ending her 17-year exile in London. Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with several senior party leaders, welcomed Khaleda at the airport. The special air ambulance, provided by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, departed Heathrow Airport at around 9:35pm (BST) on Monday, carrying Khaleda and her entourage. It reached Dhaka after a stopover in Qatar. The leaders and activists of the BNP and its associate bodies welcomed her, standing along the footpaths stretching from Airport Road to Gulshan Avenue to greet their beloved leader and party chief. Khaleda returning to Gulshan home, Zubaida ends 17-year exile by her side BNP supporters began assembling along both sides of the nearly 10-kilometre route from early morning, holding national and party flags to welcome Khaleda on her return. Khaleda Zia had 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 had been receiving treatment at the residence of her elder son, Tarique Rahman. Following her discharge from the London Clinic, she continued her recovery under the supervision of Professors Kennedy and Cross at Tarique Rahman’s residence. Her residence ‘Firoza’ located at House 1, Road 80, was fully prepared to welcome her. Upon her return, stringent security measures were observed around Khaleda’s residence. Members of the armed forces, along with law enforcement agencies, were deployed to ensure her safety. On Tuesday morning, the road in front of Firoza was seen closed to vehicular traffic, with only limited pedestrian access. A tight security perimeter was established by law enforcement officials. The premises had been thoroughly cleaned and decorated with flower pots in the garden, and utilities such as electricity, gas, and water supplies were checked, according to Sayrul Kabir Khan. Surrounded by high walls, the residence features a security room at the entrance, where members of the police and the Chairperson’s Security Force (CSF) are stationed in shifts to ensure round-the-clock security. Sayrul noted that all rooms inside the house had been cleaned, with the front garden decorated with flower pots, adding a touch of colour and warmth in anticipation of her arrival. Khaleda lands on home soil; Zubaida reunites with her roots Zubaida’s Return After 17 Years Tarique Rahman, Dr Zubaida and their daughter Zaima Rahman have been living in London since 2008. After 17 years in exile, Dr Zubaida Rahman also returned home with her mother-in-law. Although she will be staying at her father’s residence in Dhanmondi, she went directly to Khaleda’s residence from the airport. Her father’s house, known as Mahbub Bhaban, located at Road 5 of Dhanmondi, has also been prepared to receive Zubaida. Although the house is well-maintained, additional arrangements have been made to ensure Zubaida’s comfort and security. Members of the police and intelligence agencies have been deployed in the house as the BNP wrote to the Inspector General of Police requesting armed protection, a police presence at the residence and the installation of an archway scanner, citing potential security threats to her.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, along with her two daughters-in-law — Tarique Rahman’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and the late Arafat Rahman Koko’s wife Syeda Sharmila Rahman — is moving towards her Gulshan residence from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. 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. A Qatari royal air ambulance carrying Khaleda and her entourage landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:42am, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Khaleda returned home after nearly four months of advanced treatment in London, while Zubaida returned, ending her 17-year exile in London. Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir together with several senior party leaders, welcomed Khaleda at the airport. Speaking to reporters at the airport, Fakhrul expressed hope that the return of party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia would facilitate the restoration and advancement of democracy in the country. “She went abroad for treatment after years of suffering under fascist oppression. With the fall of fascism, she was finally able to receive proper medical care. After nearly four months of treatment, she is returning home today. It's a joyous day for us and the people,” said the BNP leader. The special air ambulance, provided by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, departed Heathrow Airport at around 9:35pm (BST) on Monday, carrying Khaleda and her entourage. It reached Dhaka after a stopover in Qatar." Meanwhile, leaders and activists of the BNP and its associate bodies gathered along the footpaths stretching from the Airport road to Gulshan Avenue to welcome their beloved leader and party chief. BNP supporters began assembling along both sides of the nearly 10-kilometre route since early morning, holding national and party flags to greet Khaleda on her return. Khaleda lands on home soil; Zubaida reunites with her roots Khaleda Zia had 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 had been receiving treatment at the residence of her elder son, Tarique Rahman. Following her discharge from the London Clinic, she continued her recovery under the supervision of Professors Kennedy and Cross at Tarique Rahman’s residence. Meanwhile, the BNP chief’s Gulshan residence, ‘Firoza’, located at House 1, Road 80, has been fully prepared to welcome her. Upon her return, stringent security measures were observed around Khaleda’s residence. Members of the armed forces, along with law enforcement agencies, were deployed to ensure her safety. On Tuesday morning, the road in front of Firoza was seen closed to vehicular traffic, with only limited pedestrian access. A tight security perimeter was established by law enforcement officials. Thousands line the Dhaka streets to welcome Khaleda Zia 

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday expressed the hope that the return of party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia will facilitate the restoration and advancement of democracy in Bangladesh. “In the current situation of the country, Khaleda Zia's presence and homecoming is a very important matter for people. We believe our leader’s presence and return will make it easier to restore democracy,” he said. Talking to reporters at the airport in the morning, the BNP leader also expressed the hope that Khaleda will help move the country forward by fostering a discrimination-free environment. Khaleda Zia, along with her two daughters-in-law, including Tarique Rahman’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, returned home on Monday after nearly four months of advanced treatment in London. A Qatari royal air ambulance carrying Khaleda and her entourage landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:42 am. Fakhrul, along with several senior party leaders, arrived at the airport around 8:40 am to receive Khaleda. BNP will always stand by journalists, assures Fakhrul He said Khaleda endured prolonged repression under what he described as a “fascist regime” and was eventually allowed to travel abroad for medical treatment after being released from detention. “She went abroad for treatment after years of suffering under fascist oppression. With the departure of fascism, she was able to seek medical care. After nearly four months of treatment, she is returning home today. It’s a joyous day for us and the people,” said the BNP leader. Meanwhile, stringent security measures were seen around Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan residence, ‘Firoza’. Members of the armed forces, along with law enforcement agencies, were deployed to ensure her safety. On Tuesday morning, the road in front of Firoza was closed to vehicular traffic, with only limited pedestrian access. Tight security measures were put in place by law enforcers. The special air ambulance, provided by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, departed Heathrow Airport at around 9:35pm (BST) on Monday, carrying Khaleda and her entourage. It reached Dhaka after a stopover in Qatar." Nation got opportunity to build new, democratic Bangladesh: Fakhrul Meanwhile, leaders and activists of the BNP and its associate bodies gathered along the footpaths stretching from the airport to Gulshan Avenue to welcome their beloved leader and party chief. BNP supporters began assembling along both sides of the nearly 10-kilometre route since early morning, waving national and party flags to greet Khaleda on her return. Khaleda Zia had travelled to London on 8 January in the 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 had been receiving treatment at the residence of her elder son Tarique Rahman.