DHAKA: Former Prime Minister and also BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia has left Dubai for London early Wednesday.

She left Dubai in an Emirates Airlines flight EK-7 from Dubai International Airport at 2:30am and is expected to arrive at Heathrow Airport at 6:37am London time ( 11:37 BDST), said a competence source of BNP.

Earlier, the BNP chief left Dhaka fro London in an Emirates Airlines flight EK-585 from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 9:35pm.

Party sources said that Khaleda Zia’s personal secretary Abdus Sattar and domestic help Fatema Begum are accompanying her.

However, party leaders and activists gathered at the adjacent road of the airport and chanted slogans while she exchanged greetings by weaving hands.

According to the sources, in her tour the BNP chief will talk to her elder son and also party senior vice-chairman Tarique Rahman about the party’s next strategy and work-plan.

She is expected to return after 15 to 20 days.

Earlier on September 13, the BNP chief held a meeting with party senior leaders.

Terming Khaleda Zia’s visit absolutely personal, BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan told the media that the BNP chief will meet her elder son Tarique Rahman and also go to doctor for her eye problems.

Moreover, the BNP chief will try to meet the UK leaders, especially with Bangladesh-origin MP Rushanara Ali.

Khaleda Zia is also expected to meet the higher officials of UK foreign ministry.

BDST: 0848 HRS, SEPT 16, 2015
RS