BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday asked the party leaders and activists to strengthen the party and keep it united in her absence.

She gave the directives at a meeting of the party’s standing committee, the highest policymaking body, at her Gulshan office last night, a day ahead of her visit to London.

The former premier will leave Dhaka for London tomorrow evening on an Emirates flight for treatment of her eyes and legs and to meet her family members.

Yesterday’s meeting began at 9:30pm with Khaleda Zia in

the chair and continued for about two hours.

Khaleda insisted on maintaining unity in the party rank and file in her absence and reminded none would be spared if anyone is found guilty of harming party unity.

She also requested the senior leaders to make the enrollment of new members a success, according to meeting sources.

Khaleda's London trip might be a long one and she may return home after celebrating the Eid-ul-Azha with her family members.

The former premier last time went to London on September 16 in 2015 and returned home on November 21 after celebrating the Eid-ul-Azha with her family members, including eldest son Tarique Rahman.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir confirmed that Khaleda Zia will go to London Saturday evening for treatment. Replying to a query, he said Khaleda's return would depend on her treatment.

He also said that the meeting discussed the latest developments in the political arena and the flood situation in the country.