BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. -File Photo

Dhaka, Jan 29, 2025 (BSS) - BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who is currently in London at her eldest son Tarique Rahman's residence after receiving treatment for 17 days at London Clinic, is eagerly waiting to return home, said her personal physician, Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain.

"Madam's physical condition is very stable now. She is eager to return to the country. Yesterday, she also said, 'Let us return to Bangladesh quickly. The country is a good place for us," Dr Zahid told a doa mahfil organized by the UK chapter of Jubo Dal, marking the death anniversary of Begum Zia's youngest son, Arafat Rahman.

The prayers were held at Brick Lane Mosque in East London after Isha prayers on Tuesday (London time). 

Dr. Zahid, also BNP standing committee member, said Khaleda Zia is now doing better as she is living with her eldest son Tarique Rahman, eldest daughter-in-law Dr Zubida Rahman, youngest daughter-in-law Syeda Shamila Rahman, and three granddaughters. 

Terming the AL regime a fascist rule, he said Begum Zia was imprisoned for a long time in a fabricated case during the regime.

He said the decision on Begum Zia's return to Bangladesh will be taken after receiving some medical test reports.

Dr. Zahid expressed gratitude to everyone for their prayers for Begum Zia.

"Begum Zia is mentally with you [countrymen] in the struggle for the restoration of democracy. She was uncompromising in restoring democracy before, and she still believes that democracy will return to the country soon," he said.

Khaleda Zia believes the people, who are the owners of the country, will get a democratic atmosphere along with obtaining the opportunity to exercise their voting rights soon, he said.
 
Dr. Zahid said the BNP chief called upon the party men to work towards that goal.
 
He said Tarique Rahman has worked for the restoration of democracy for the past 15 years. "He is currently leading the movement to restore democracy. We are very optimistic; even if the mother and son do not go together, the situation will tell when he (Tarique Rahman) will return to the country. We are very optimistic that our leader, Tarique Rahman, will return soon," he said.

UK BNP President and Chairperson's Adviser MA Malek, General Secretary Koysor M Ahmed, and Swechchhasebak Dal General Secretary Abul Hossain were present at the event hosted by UK Jubo Dal President Rahim Uddin.