President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Wednesday invited BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to attend a reception at his official residence Bangabhaban, marking the 54th Victory Day on Monday.

Military Secretary to the President, Major General Mohammad Adil Chowdhury, handed over the invitation cards to BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office.

Chinese envoy meets BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia

The President traditionally hosts a reception at Bangabhaban on December 16 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 December 16, 1971, Bangladesh was liberated as an independent country after the Pakistani occupation forces surrendered following a bloody nine-month-long war.

Earlier, on November 21, 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.

Yunus, Khaleda exchange greetings at Senakunja

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.