The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Tarique Rahman, elder son of former premier Khaleda Zia, flew for London last night along with his family members shortly after his just-released mother gave him a tearful sendoff.

His lawyer Advocate Ahmed Azam told UNB that Tarique's wife Dr Jubaida Rahman, daughter Jaima Jarnaz Rahman, wife's elder sister Shahina Khan and her husband Air Commodore (retd) Shafiuzzaman and his personal physician Dr Kazi Majharul Islam Dolan accompanied Tarique on the long-haul trip for overseas treatment.

They flew for the British capital by an airplane of Emirates Airlines at about 9:40 pm. "He is scheduled to take treatment in King's Oak Hospital in Central London," Advocate Azam said.

His scheduled trip was postponed on Wednesday night following last-minute complications, as his mother, who was detained in a sub-jail, wished to see him before he leaves the country.

His mother and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia visited him at BSMMU Hospital in the afternoon in an emotional reunion between the mother and the son after their release from prison.

The ex-Prime Minister was released on bail from the makeshift jail in the parliament complex earlier in the day. She visited her husband Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman's mazar close by the Sangsad Bhaban before going to meet her son.

As she saw her ailing son, Khaleda could not hold back her motherly affection and tears. Entering the cabin, she strode to the bed and embraced Tarique for about 2 minutes.

"Both mother and son were seen quietly shedding tears rolling down their cheeks," says an eyewitnesses account of the emotional meet before they again part with each other for a long time.

Tarique's wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, daughter Zaima and attending doctor and his counsel were present at the time beside his bed.