Govt declares Khaleda Zia a 'VVIP'

The government has declared BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia a "very very important person" (VVIP).

A notification in this regard was issued on Monday night.

Mohammad Abdul Wadud Chowdhury, director general (administration) at the office of the chief adviser, signed the order following instructions from the president.

According to the notification, Khaleda Zia has been declared a VVIP under Section 2(a) of the Special Security Force Act, 2021. The decision takes immediate effect.

With this move, Khaleda qualifies for SSF protection.

The VVIP status is granted to the head of the state (president) and the head of the government (prime minister or chief adviser). 

Khaleda Zia has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for several days due to a number of health complications.