Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus expressed his joy and pride at the presence of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at an Armed Forces Day reception at Senakunja on Thursday (November 21).
In his address, Dr Yunus, the chief guest, warmly welcomed Khaleda Zia and acknowledged her presence after a prolonged absence, saying, "Khaleda Zia is here among us today after a decade. Her participation in this grand occasion makes us all happy and proud. Thank you for joining us on this special day despite your physical illness. I wish you a speedy recovery."
Khaleda returns to Senakunja after a decade
Thursday’s event marks Khaleda Zia’s first public appearance at a major event in over five years. Her last official visit outside Dhaka was on February 5, 2018, to Sylhet.
She last attended the Armed Forces Day celebrations in 2012, when she was the Leader of the Opposition.
Following her imprisonment in a corruption case in 2018, Khaleda Zia had not received invitations to such events. Her presence at this year’s ceremony signifies a symbolic return to public life.
The programme at Senakunja was Khaleda Zia’s first formal engagement since being granted conditional release from prison due to health issues.