BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia made a rare public appearance at the Armed Forces Day reception on Thursday, where she was seen exchanging warm greetings with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
The two prominent figures sat next to each other at the reception held at Senakunja, and they shared a brief but friendly conversation, smiling and acknowledging each other throughout their interaction.
Khaleda Zia, the 79-year-old former Prime Minister, arrived at the event with her late son Arafat Rahman Koko’s wife.
She left her Gulshan residence around 3:30 pm and reached the reception venue at 3:45 pm.
This marked a significant moment as it was her first public appearance in six years, since her imprisonment in February 2018.
It was also her first time attending a state event in 12 years, as the last time she attended the Armed Forces Day reception was in 2012.
During the reception, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir spoke to the media, expressing how important Khaleda Zia’s presence was.
He mentioned that Khaleda, who has dedicated her life to safeguarding democracy and the nation’s independence, had been kept away from the armed forces for 12 years.
Fakhrul thanked the Chief Adviser and the military leadership for honoring her at the event.
He remarked, “The entire nation is happy, and we are grateful for the honour bestowed upon Madam (Khaleda).”
The invitation for Khaleda to attend the reception was extended by the Armed Forces Division of the Chief Adviser’s Office.
Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Mizanur Rahman Shamim and Principal Staff Officer Lieutenant General ASM Kamrul Ahsan personally delivered the invitation to her at her residence on Tuesday night.
This invitation highlighted the significance of the occasion and the importance of her presence at the event, despite the years of absence.
In addition to Khaleda, 26 other BNP leaders, including Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, were invited to the reception, signaling a gesture of reconciliation and inclusion.
Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser, was the guest of honor at the event, which was held to celebrate the contributions of the army, navy, and air force during the 1971 Liberation War.
Armed Forces Day is a significant occasion in Bangladesh, celebrated with enthusiasm and various programs. The day marks the founding of the country’s armed forces, and this year’s event was no different, filled with festivities and pride.
Khaleda Zia’s presence at this year’s reception carried additional weight, given her absence from public life for so long, and it was seen by many as an important step toward restoring her connection with the country’s military and political landscape.
Khaleda’s return to a state function after so many years sparked widespread attention. Her appearance, along with her interaction with Dr. Yunus, symbolizes a potential shift in the political atmosphere.
For many, it was a reminder of her enduring influence and the respect she still commands on the national stage, despite the challenges she has faced over the years.
As the country observed Armed Forces Day, Khaleda’s attendance at the reception and her warm exchange with the Chief Adviser seemed to mark a moment of unity, with both political and military leaders gathering to honor the nation’s history and future.
-20241117133242.jpg)
