Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed optimism that party chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s return to the country will facilitate a democratic transition.
He made the remarks while speaking to reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Tuesday, as Khaleda Zia was being flown home from the United Kingdom following her medical treatment.
Fakhrul, who was present at the airport to receive the BNP chairperson, said Khaleda Zia had been subjected to prolonged persecution under the Awami League's rule.
“The BNP leader’s ordeal of confinement came to an end after the fall of Awami fascism. She went abroad for treatment following her release from prison,” he said.
Khaleda Zia is returning to the country today after receiving medical treatment overseas for around four months, he added.
“It is a very happy day for the nation. Her presence is significant at this critical moment of democratic transition,” the BNP Secretary General said.
“Her return will help facilitate our transition to democracy and guide the country toward a just and non-discriminatory path,” he continued.
Khaleda Zia’s entourage includes her two daughters-in-law, Dr. Zobaida Rahman and Syeda Sharmila Rahman.
This marks the first return of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s wife, Dr. Zobaida Rahman, in 17 years since she left the country on September 11, 2008.
Earlier, Khaleda Zia departed London’s Heathrow Airport for Bangladesh at 9:35 pm (Bangladesh time) on Monday aboard a royal air ambulance provided by Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Tarique Rahman, along with BNP leaders and activists, saw her off at Heathrow Airport.
Source: BSS