Khaleda Zia to Return Home from London on May 5

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on Monday, May 5, following a medical check-up in London.

According to BNP Standing Committee Member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, Khaleda Zia’s health has improved significantly and if all goes as planned, she will return on a regular Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight arranged with special provisions.

The former prime minister will be accompanied by her two daughters-in-law, Tarique Rahman’s wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman and late Arafat Rahman Kokar’s wife Syeda Shamila Rahman Sinthi.

Though arrangements for an air ambulance have not been finalized, her medical team in London is working to ensure highest level of care during her journey.

Tarique Rahman is personally overseeing all logistical and medical arrangements for her return.

Khaleda Zia was imprisoned in 2018 after being convicted in two corruption cases and was held at Old Dhaka Central Jail. Amid COVID-19 pandemic, she was released on humanitarian grounds by previous administration.

Following the fall of Awami League government on August 5 of last year; after a widespread public uprising, Khaleda Zia was officially freed by presidential order.

The court later annulled the verdicts in both corruption cases.

On January 8 this year, she traveled to London for advanced medical treatment. After 17 days of care at a London clinic, she was moved to the residence of her son, Tarique Rahman, on January 25.

She has since been residing there, undergoing regular health evaluations and spending time with her family. Khaleda Zia also celebrated Eid with her loved ones, marking a rare occasion after previously spending four Eids in custody or at the hospital.

The veteran leader has been battling several chronic health conditions, including liver cirrhosis, heart issues, kidney complications, diabetes and arthritis.