In the current political discussion, the return of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to the country has become a significant question.
Party leaders and activists are eagerly awaiting her return after she traveled to the United Kingdom for medical treatment. However, no one can yet provide a definite answer regarding her return.
Khaleda Zia’s personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member, AZM Zahid Hossain, stated that her return to Bangladesh depends entirely on the decision of her doctors.
On January 7, Khaleda Zia traveled to the United Kingdom for advanced medical treatment in a special air ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar.
She was admitted to the prestigious London Clinic upon arrival. Later, on January 24, she moved to the residence of her eldest son and BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman.
When asked about Khaleda Zia’s return, Zahid Hossain said that the BNP chairperson will return once the doctors at London Clinic deem it appropriate.
Regarding her current health condition, the doctor stated that Khaleda Zia is doing better than before. She can now walk inside the house on her own and eat by herself.
Additionally, Zahid Hossain mentioned that she is spending her days happily with her family members.
Meanwhile, party sources indicate that Khaleda Zia has personally expressed her desire to return to Bangladesh.
However, the final decision depends on her doctors. In this situation, there is no possibility of her returning before the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. When exactly she will return after Eid will be determined by her medical team.
The 79-year-old Khaleda Zia is suffering from multiple health complications, including liver cirrhosis, kidney issues, heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
Despite persistent efforts by BNP, the Awami League government did not allow her to seek treatment abroad. She was released following the fall of the Hasina government on August 5 due to a student-led uprising. Shortly afterward, she traveled to the UK for treatment.
Previously, Khaleda Zia had also traveled to London for medical treatment on July 16, 2017. However, the following year, she was sentenced to prison in a corruption case.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Awami League government granted her conditional release through an executive order, allowing her to stay at home. However, she was not permitted to travel abroad for treatment.
At the time, BNP accused the government of keeping Khaleda Zia under house arrest.
