Heartwarming Reunion: Khaleda and Son Tarique Reunite After 7 Years

Khaleda Zia Reunites with Son Tarique After Over Seven Years in Emotional Reunion

In a poignant and long-awaited moment, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia embraced her eldest son, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, at London’s Heathrow International Airport on Wednesday, marking the end of more than seven years of separation.

Both Khaleda and Tarique, prominent figures in Bangladesh’s political landscape, were visibly emotional during their reunion. Khaleda, who has endured significant challenges in recent years, was moved to tears as she embraced her son, a moment that resonated deeply with the many trials they have faced as a family.

Khaleda arrived in London aboard a special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar for advanced medical treatment at The London Clinic. Her journey began Tuesday night from Dhaka, with the air ambulance landing at Heathrow at 2:55 PM Bangladesh time, according to BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.

At the airport, Tarique, accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman, welcomed his mother with open arms. The Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the United Kingdom, Mohammad Hazrat Ali Khan, also greeted Khaleda with flowers. Several BNP leaders and activists, including UK chapter President MA Malek and General Secretary Koyser M Ahmad, were present to welcome the former Prime Minister.

Following immigration formalities, Khaleda was escorted through the Royal VIP Gate of Terminal 4 to an ambulance that transported her directly to The London Clinic.

This is Khaleda’s first overseas trip since her release from jail and her second medical visit to London, the first being in 2017. During her earlier trip, she received treatment, spent time with her family, and celebrated Eid-ul-Azha.

Khaleda, 79, has been battling numerous health complications, including liver cirrhosis, diabetes, arthritis, and issues with her kidneys, lungs, heart, and eyes. Since late 2021, her doctors have recommended treatment abroad for her liver cirrhosis. However, legal challenges under the Awami League government had delayed her departure.

On August 6, 2024, following the fall of the Awami League government, Khaleda was fully freed by a presidential order from Mohammed Shahabuddin, clearing the way for her to seek medical care overseas.

Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, one of Khaleda’s physicians, stated that she will remain under care at The London Clinic, where specialists will evaluate her condition and decide on further treatment. If necessary, she may be transferred to Johns Hopkins University Hospital for additional medical procedures.

Khaleda’s journey to London also highlights her recent medical history, including a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure performed in October 2023 by a team of U.S. specialists to manage complications from liver cirrhosis.

Amidst a large crowd of BNP leaders and activists who gathered to see her off at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Khaleda’s convoy moved slowly, causing her flight to depart nearly two hours behind schedule. Senior BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, bid her farewell.

As Khaleda begins her treatment in London, her reunion with her son Tarique marks a deeply emotional milestone, underscoring the resilience of a family weathering political and personal hardships.