Abu Jakir :
Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia returned to Bangladesh on Tuesday after four months of medical treatment in the United Kingdom, receiving a hero’s welcome that drew thousands of supporters and renewed discourse on the country’s political direction.
Khaleda Zia, 78, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at approximately 11 a.m. local time aboard a special air ambulance arranged by the Emir of Qatar. She was accompanied by her daughters-in-law, Dr Zubaida Rahman and Syeda Sharmila Rahman, along with close aides.
Large crowds gathered along the route to her residence in Gulshan, waving party flags and holding aloft images of Khaleda Zia, her late husband and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, and the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman.
The former premier’s return comes during a critical period in Bangladesh’s political transition, following the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh
Hasina in August last year through a student-led uprising.
The country is currently governed by an interim administration led by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus. Sheikh Hasina is now in exile in India.
BNP supporters described Khaleda Zia’s return as more than a personal milestone, calling it a symbolic moment for the restoration of democratic leadership.
“She is in much better health now, both physically and mentally,” said Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, Khaleda’s personal physician. “We ask for everyone’s prayers as she continues her recovery.”
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who greeted her at the airport, described the moment as a turning point.
“Her return at this juncture offers hope for a more inclusive and democratic future,” he said.
The return has attracted significant attention from international media.
Al Jazeera reported: “Ex-leader Khaleda Zia returns to Bangladesh at ‘crucial time for democracy'”, while ABC News stated: “Bangladesh’s ex-premier Khaleda Zia returns, adding pressure for elections.”
Indian outlet The Telegraph India also covered the event under the headline: “Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia returns home after treatment in UK.”
During Khaleda’s prolonged absence, the BNP faced significant challenges, including leadership constraints and legal pressures. Her return, and the anticipated return of Tarique Rahman, signals what party leaders call “the final phase” of their movement to restore democracy.
“Tarique Rahman will return soon to lead the BNP from within the country,” Dr Zahid confirmed. “His wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, will also return to the UK briefly before accompanying him back to Dhaka.”
Khaleda Zia’s homecoming follows a period of political uncertainty, as Bangladesh navigates a post-autocratic phase with efforts to rebuild institutions, restore civil liberties, and facilitate free elections.
The BNP is expected to play a central role in shaping the new political landscape, alongside continued international engagement.
The Emir of Qatar reportedly provided the air ambulance free of charge, underlining growing diplomatic ties and humanitarian support for the BNP’s leadership.
While political implications remain to be seen, Khaleda Zia’s return has clearly reignited momentum within the BNP and renewed public interest in the upcoming electoral process.
