Dhaka: BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was surrounded by love and joy as her party members and a multitude of people gathered to welcome her back from the United Kingdom. Her arrival was marked by a wave of euphoria among supporters eager to catch a glimpse of their leader.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Khaleda Zia, accompanied by her daughters-in-law Dr. Zubaida Rahman and Syeda Sharmila Rahman, along with other members of her entourage, landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport via a special air ambulance provided by Qatar’s Emir. The streets from the airport to her Gulshan residence, Feroza, were filled with thousands of BNP leaders and activists, united in showing their admiration for the three-time prime minister, who is reportedly in better health.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir led senior leaders in welcoming her with flowers as her flight touched down at 10:43 AM, having departed from Heathrow Airport in London. Khaleda Zia’s return was met with heartfelt expressions from people eager to see her, with supporters lining the route to her residence, waving flowers and flags.
Throughout the journey, the atmosphere was vibrant with slogans and banners featuring images of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia, and acting chairman Tarique Rahman. The party had instructed its members to remain orderly, avoiding roadblocks to prevent public inconvenience and considering ongoing SSC examinations.
BNP activist Arman Mia, present on the sidewalk in Banani, expressed his joy, stating, “It’s a very happy day for us. The mother of democracy returned home. I have come to have a glimpse of our loving leader Begum Zia.”
At the airport, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir remarked that Khaleda Zia’s return marks a pivotal moment for democracy in the country. He highlighted the challenges she faced during the Awami League’s governance and noted that her return after four months of overseas treatment is significant for the nation’s transition to a more democratic path.