President invites Khaleda, Tarique to Victory Day reception

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has invited BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to the Victory Day presidential reception on 16 December.

Shamsuddin Didar, an official from BNP chairperson’s press wing, confirmed the matter to reporters on Wednesday.

The president’s Military Secretary Major General Mohammad Adil Chowdhury sent the invitation letters and Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, a member of BNP National Standing Committee, received these on his party’s behalf.

The president traditionally hosts a reception at Bangabhaban on 16 December to celebrate the country's great Victory Day.

The nation will celebrate the 54th Victory Day on Monday amid festivities, paying tribute to the three million martyrs and freedom fighters of the Liberation War.

On 16 December 1971, Bangladesh was liberated as an independent country after the Pakistani occupation forces surrendered following a bloody nine-month-long war.

Earlier, on 21 November Khaleda Zia attended the Armed Forces Day reception at Senakunja, marking her first public appearance and participation in a state function in six years, since her imprisonment in February 2018.

Khaleda Zia has been struggling with a range of serious health issues, including liver cirrhosis, heart, lung, kidney, and eye problems.

She has undergone multiple treatments at Evercare Hospital in the capital since her conditional release, under the supervision of a medical board led by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder.

The BNP has made all necessary arrangements to send her abroad for specialised treatment at an advanced medical centre.