Khaleda Zia is a resolute name in Bangladesh's politics. Since 1984, she has been serving as the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
She has been the Prime Minister of the country three times. After being imprisoned on February 8, 2018, she largely distanced herself from politics.
During this time, she suffered from various complex illnesses. In her absence, her eldest son, Tarique Rahman, took charge as the acting chairman of the party and continued to lead it. Until now, Tarique Rahman has been performing that role.
After the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 last year, Khaleda Zia was acquitted from the cases against her. She went to London for advanced medical treatment on January 8 this year.
After four months of treatment in London, BNP's chairperson returned to the country on May 6, Tuesday. The former Prime Minister, who was suffering from liver cirrhosis, kidney problems, and heart disease, returned as her health stabilized.
Her return sparked curiosity among party members and political circles alike, questioning whether she would become active in politics again. According to BNP sources, even though she returned to the country, Khaleda Zia will not be directly active in party politics.
Tarique Rahman will continue to lead the party as its acting chairman. Although she will not be on the streets due to her age and health, she will still play a role for the party when needed.
Internal sources within BNP stated that many party leaders believed she would regularly sit at her Gulshan office upon her return. However, Tarique Rahman himself completely dismissed that possibility.
During a recent visit to London, he reportedly expressed this intention in front of Jamaat leaders, according to a reliable Jamaat source.
However, BNP leaders say that Khaleda Zia is still the chairperson of the party, so her presence in the country means she is still part of politics. They view her as the guardian of BNP politics.
Multiple senior leaders of BNP mentioned that if her health remains stable, Khaleda Zia might participate in some important party programs in the future.
Even if not physically present, she could join virtually. Party members hope that Khaleda Zia will become active in politics again. In the absence of the acting chairman in the country, she is expected to play her role.
Although she may not be on the streets, as in the recent past, she is expected to provide necessary guidance or directives to the party.
BNP Joint Secretary General Abdus Salam Azad said, “We can hope that if Allah keeps her healthy, she will once again lead in democracy and politics.”
Political analysts believe that Khaleda Zia's return after receiving treatment abroad will pave the way for a democratic transition in the country. They argue that democracy cannot exist without elections.
But under the current circumstances, political parties have concerns and complexities surrounding the elections. In this situation, Khaleda Zia's presence is seen as a means to overcome the crisis, as she is a widely accepted and respected leader with a long history of struggle for democracy.
Her return is expected to further strengthen the demand for national elections.
