Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed optimism that the return of the party’s chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will facilitate the transition to democracy. He made this statement to reporters at Hazrat Shahjahal International Airport as the pro-democracy leader was being flown home from the United Kingdom following medical treatment.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Fakhrul was present at the airport to welcome Khaleda Zia, emphasizing that she had been subjected to prolonged confinement under the Awami League’s governance. He remarked that her ordeal ended with her release from prison, after which she went abroad for medical care.
Khaleda Zia is returning to Bangladesh after approximately four months of overseas treatment. Fakhrul noted the significance of her presence during this period of democratic transition, expressing hope that her return will guide the country towards a non-discriminatory path.
Khaleda Zia’s entourage included her daughters-in-law, Dr. Zobaida Rahman and Syeda Sharmila Rahman. Notably, this marks the first return of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s wife, Dr. Zobaida Rahman, to the country since she left on September 11, 2008.
Earlier, Khaleda Zia departed from London’s Heathrow Airport for Bangladesh at 9:35 pm (Bangladesh time) on Monday, traveling via a royal air ambulance provided by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Tarique Rahman, along with BNP leaders and activists, bid her farewell at the airport.