Abu Jakir :
Former three-time Prime Minister of Bangladesh, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has arrived in London for advanced medical treatment after long years of getting isolation in prison during the political turmoil of dictator Hasina regime in the country.
This marks her first international trip since July 15, 2017, when she last visited the UK for treatment for her eyes and legs. In the intervening years, her health has deteriorated, and she endured a prolonged separation from her son, Tarique Rahman, due to political restrictions imposed by Sheikh Hasina’s government.
Convicted in graft cases widely regarded as politically motivated, Khaleda Zia was barred from leaving Bangladesh for medical treatment.
For over seven and a half years, she remained confined to her homeland as her health declined amidst ongoing legal and political struggles. Her ordeal ended yesterday as she landed in London, reuniting with her son Tarique Rahman for the first time since her imprisonment.
The aircraft carrying Khaleda Zia landed at Heathrow Airport at 9:05 AM local time on Wednesday. Tarique Rahman, her eldest son and acting chairman of the BNP, along with his wife Zubaida Rahman, welcomed her at the airport.
They were joined by several BNP leaders and activists, including UK BNP President M.A. Malek and General Secretary Kawsar M. Ahmad. Bangladesh’s Acting High Commissioner to the UK, Hazrat Ali Khan, presented her with flowers upon arrival. Khaleda Zia, appearing frail but determined, exited through the Royal VIP gate of Terminal Four and travelled directly to the hospital by ambulance. She is to be admitted to the London Clinic for initial treatment, with plans to continue her care at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland, USA.
Her journey to London was facilitated by a special air ambulance provided by Qatar’s Emir. She departed Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport late Tuesday night, with senior BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, bidding her an emotional farewell.
Khaleda Zia has long battled multiple health conditions, including liver cirrhosis, kidney complications, heart issues, diabetes, and arthritis. Her health significantly worsened during her imprisonment in 2018 on corruption charges.
Despite repeated pleas from her family and party to allow her treatment abroad, the Awami League government consistently denied her requests, further compromising her health. At times, her condition was critical, reflecting what many saw as political vendetta against her.
Her release became possible following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5, 2024, after a massive student-led uprising. The subsequent Interim Government, led by Dr. Yunus, issued an executive order for her freedom, and court rulings annulled her corruption convictions.
In October 2023, a team of medical experts from Johns Hopkins Hospital successfully performed vascular surgery on Khaleda Zia during a visit to Dhaka.
However, doctors have stressed the urgent need for a liver transplant, with her treatment estimated to take up to two months. Family and party sources suggest she plans to return to London after her treatment and may undertake a spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia for Umrah before returning to Bangladesh.
This long-awaited reunion with her son Tarique marks a significant moment in Khaleda Zia’s life. It symbolises resilience and hope as she embarks on a crucial journey to restore her health and reclaim her legacy in Bangladesh’s history.
