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After four months of advanced medical treatment in London, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia returned to Dhaka on Tuesday.
Her arrival was met with an outpouring of support as thousands of BNP men lined the roads from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to her Gulshan residence Firoza, which she had left in a wheelchair but entered on foot on the day.
Her flight, a special air ambulance provided by Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, landed in Dhaka at around 10:30am.
She was greeted at the airport's VIP terminal by senior BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, and others.
Despite her health challenges, Khaleda smiled and waved, acknowledging the cheering crowds.
The roads were adorned with the national and party flags, banners, and festoons. Supporters chanted slogans and held up photos of their leader.
Security was tight, with members of the army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), police, and the Chairperson's Security Force (CSF) ensuring order along the route.
The journey, which typically takes less than an hour, extended to over two hours due to the massive turnout of party members. People endured suffering as traffic jams continued for more than four hours.
Khaleda was accompanied by her two daughters-in-law - Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of eldest son Tarique Rahman, and Syeda Sharmila Rahman, wife of youngest son late Arafat Rahman Koko.
She took the front seat, with her daughters-in-law sitting in the back. Also accompanying her were members of her medical board and 13 senior BNP leaders, including Dr AZM Zahid Hossain and Shahabuddin Talukder.
Her return comes at a pivotal moment in Bangladesh's political landscape. Following the ousting of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 in the face of a student-led mass uprising, the country has been under an interim government led by Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus. The BNP is advocating for national elections to restore democratic governance.
"This is a joyous moment for us and the nation," said the BNP secretary general while speaking to the press. He said Khaleda's presence marks a significant day for the country at this crucial time.
Fakhrul earlier instructed party men to take position on the sidewalks instead of crowding on the roads. Law enforcement officers were on duty along the route to ensure that there was no traffic jam or chaos.
At 79, Khaleda is battling multiple health issues, including chronic kidney conditions, liver cirrhosis, and diabetes.
Her recent treatment in London included a 17-day stay at The London Clinic, followed by continued care at Tarique's residence. While her active participation in politics remains uncertain due to her health, her return is expected to have a unifying effect on the BNP.
Speaking at a briefing in the afternoon, BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said acting chairman Tarique would return home very soon to lead what the party calls the final phase of the struggle to restore democracy in Bangladesh."Zubaida Rahman arrived today…the day is not far off when our acting chairman will lead the movement for the restoration of democracy from here, rather than from Britain," he told reporters in front of Firoza.
Zahid, also Khaleda's personal physician who accompanied her on the air ambulance, said the time is approaching when the right atmosphere will allow Tarique to return home.
"In a few days, perhaps the proper environment will be created for Tarique to return, and he will surely come back," he said.
Zubaida, who accompanied Khaleda on her return from London, is expected to stay in the country for a few days.
Zahid said with her [Zubaida] husband and daughter still in London, it is natural for her to travel back there soon.
"She might leave for London after a few days. But she will soon return permanently with Tarique, who will then lead the final stage of the movement to restore democracy in the country," he added.
He also said Khaleda has returned home in a stable health and mental condition. "She is a little tired physically because of the journey, but she is very stable mentally."
On behalf of the BNP, Zahid expressed gratitude to the emir of Qatar and their government for willingly providing the royal air ambulance, which carried Khaleda to and from London.
He said the air ambulance, equipped with all royal medical facilities, was provided free of charge.
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