NN Online:
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is en route to her residence in Gulshan from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, accompanied by her two daughters-in-law — Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, and Syeda Sharmila Rahman, widow of the late Arafat Rahman Koko.
A vehicle carrying Khaleda in the front seat and her daughters-in-law in the back departed the airport around 11:15am on Tuesday.
According to BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan, a Qatari royal air ambulance carrying Khaleda and her entourage landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:42am. The plane, provided by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, had departed London’s Heathrow Airport at 9:35pm (BST) on Monday, with a stopover in Qatar before reaching Dhaka.
Khaleda has returned home after nearly four months of advanced medical treatment in London. For Zubaida, this marks the end of a 17-year self-exile from Bangladesh.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with several senior party leaders, welcomed Khaleda at the airport.
Speaking to reporters, Fakhrul said, “She went abroad for treatment after years of suffering under fascist oppression. With the fall of fascism, she was finally able to receive proper medical care. After nearly four months of treatment, she is returning home today. It’s a joyous day for us and the people.”
Hundreds of BNP leaders and activists lined the nearly 10-kilometre route from the airport to Gulshan Avenue, waving national and party flags to welcome their leader. Supporters began gathering early in the morning along the footpaths, eager to greet Khaleda on her return.
