Khaleda to visit UK for treatment

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will leave Dhaka for the United Kingdom in a day or two, a reliable source of the party close to the BNP chief said on Monday. Khaleda Zia's elder son Tarique Rahman, who was released from prison on bail in September, 2008, is staying in the UK since then. He has been in London for the last 7 years. A senior BNP leader opting anonymity, said on Monday that the party chief will fly to London tomorrow or the day after. Later in the day, BNP’s spokesperson Asaduzzaman Ripon said at a press briefing “The chairperson is going to UK for medical treatment.” However, he said, the date of her departure will be fixed shortly following her doctor’s schedule. Her appointment with the doctor could be on August 11, 12 or 13,” the BNP leader said in reply to a question. He said Khaleda Zia would be staying in London for a week to 10 days. Although he did not elaborate on Khaleda’s illness, a highly-placed source in the party said she may depart for London on Tuesday. She would be getting treatment for eye problems, it added, according to a news agency.
- mbz