BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is set to attend a political program in person for the first time in seven years if health permits. 

She is expected to attend a Freedom Fighters’ gathering on December 21 in Dhaka, organized by the Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal to mark Victory Day.

Shairul Kabir Khan, BNP’s Media Cell member, confirmed the matter to Banglanews.

He said the last time BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia addressed a political rally was on November 12, 2017, at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka.

When asked whether Khaleda Zia will visit Bangabhaban on Victory Day (December 16) following President Mohammed Shahabuddin's invitation, Shairul Kabir said, “It has not been decided yet, as the matter is under discussion. We will inform if there is any development.”

According to sources, the Freedom Fighters’ gathering will be held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center where Khaleda Zia will be the chief guest. 

The former prime minister was imprisoned on February 8, 2018, after being sentenced to five years in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. Her sentence was later increased to 10 years by the High Court, followed by another seven-year sentence in the Zia Charitable Trust case.

In March 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina temporarily suspended Khaleda Zia’s sentence on humanitarian grounds, allowing her to stay at her Gulshan residence under conditions, including restrictions on seeking treatment abroad.

Following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2023, President Mohammed Shahabuddin pardoned her sentence under Article 49 of the Constitution.

Meanwhile, Khaleda Zia made a public appearance on November 21, addressing a BNP rally virtually during the Armed Forces Day event in Dhaka.

BDST: 1549 HRS, DEC 15, 2024
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