DHAKA: Opposition leader and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia reached Saudi Arabia on Monday night for performing Umrah.

She has been visiting Saudi Arabia at the special invitation of Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.

According to BNP’s press wing, Khaleda Zia arrived at the King Abdul Aziz International Airport of Jeddah at 11:45 pm (BDST).

Later, she started for Madina by road. After offering Ziarat at the Rawza Mubarak of Prophet Hazrat Mohammad Sm. (PBUH) there, she will go to Makkah for Umrah.

The former prime minister left Dhaka 4pm Monday by an Emirates Airways. Her family members, officials and a group of journalists accompanied her on the pilgrimage.

She will stay in Saudi Arabia as a royal guest of Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.

She is expected to return home on September 9 after the umrah.

BDST: 1000 HRS, 31 AUGUST 2010