London: BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia has reached Heathrow International Airport, preparing to return to Bangladesh after an extended medical stay in London. Her departure marks the end of a four-month treatment period that began on January 7.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Khaleda Zia was driven to the airport by her son, Tarique Rahman, who is also the acting chief of the BNP. The journey to Heathrow took place at 2:10 pm local time, with her personal physician, Prof AZM Zahid Hossain, confirming the details. Khaleda Zia’s daughters-in-law, Zubaida Rahman and Syeda Shamila Rahman, accompanied her on the trip to the airport.
Prof Hossain added that Khaleda Zia is scheduled to leave London on a special aircraft provided by Qatar’s Emir, with the flight set to depart at 4:10 am local time. This arrangement underscores the significance of her return journey following the medical treatment she received.
Despite security restrictions that prevented them from meeting her at the airport, BNP leaders and activists from various European countries and cities in the United States gathered in London to bid farewell. Their presence was notable, especially given the inclement weather and the fact that Monday was a bank holiday. The collective effort to see off Khaleda Zia highlights her influence and the support she continues to receive from party members and supporters alike.