Khaleda makes first public appearance in 6 years at Armed Forces Day reception

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia made her first public appearance and participation in a state function in six years, since her imprisonment in February 2018, joining the Armed Forces Day reception this afternoon (21 November).

The former prime minister reached the reception venue around 3:45pm. Photo: Courtesy

The former prime minister left her Gulshan residence around 3:30pm and reached Senakunja at around 3:45pm, said Shairul Kabir Khan, a member of BNP's media cell.

The last time she attended the Armed Forces Day reception was in 2012.

Earlier, on Tuesday night, the Armed Forces Division of the Chief Adviser's Office invited Khaleda to attend the reception at Senakunja.

Advisers Nahid Islam, Mahfuj Alam and Asif Mahmud exchanged greetings with Khaleda Zia at Armed Forces Day reception programme today (21 November). Photo: Collected

Chief of General Staff (CGS) Lieutenant General Mizanur Rahman Shamim and Principal Staff Officer (PSO) Lieutenant General ASM Kamrul Ahsan handed over the invitation letter to Khaleda.

Twenty-six other BNP leaders, including acting chairman Tarique Rahman, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other senior leaders, have also been invited to attend the reception. 

Sarjis Alam, general secretary of July Shaheed Smrity Foundation, exchanged greetings with Khaleda Zia at Armed Forces Day reception programme today (21 November). Photo: Collected

Armed Forces Day is being celebrated today with various programmes amid festivity and enthusiasm, commemorating the establishment of the army, navy, and air force during the 1971 Liberation War.