Dhaka, 5 September 2024 (TDI): The British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke, met with BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia at her Gulshan residence on Wednesday evening. The meeting was held at 8:30 pm at the BNP Chairperson’s Firoza residence.
This marks Khaleda Zia’s first meeting with a foreign envoy since 2018, following her release from corruption charges. Senior BNP leaders and members of her medical board were also present during the meeting.
These included BNP Standing Committee member Prof. Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, head of her medical team Prof. Shahabuddin Talukder, Dr. FM Siddique, and Tabith Awal, a member of the BNP Chairperson’s Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee.
Discussion on Khaleda Zia’s Health Conditions
British High Commissioner inquired about Khalida’s health condition as the latter has been battling multiple health issues.
She is suffering from liver cirrhosis and has undergone several medical procedures in recent years. According to BNP officials, Khaleda Zia may travel to the UK for further medical treatment.
Discussion on Bangladesh’s Political Landscape
Both the officials held an hour-long discussion on a range of issues including those related to Bangldesh-UK ties. The commissioner briefed Khaldia on how the UK could potentially solve Bangladesh’s problems.
In response, Khalida also discussed the prospects for better bilateral ties between the two countries. They discussed Bangladesh’s pathway towards an inclusive, democratic and prosperous future.
After the meeting, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury briefed reporters about discussions. He said that the primary discussion focused on her current health condition.
They (the UK) were keen to know about her current health and whether there were preparations in place for her to travel abroad for medical treatment.
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In addition to health-related concerns, the diplomats sought insight into the direction of Bangladesh’s politics in the current evolving context. The conversation also touched upon where Bangladesh is heading in this new political climate, he added.
