Is BNP Chief and Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia Back in Bangladesh?

Dhaka, May 6 (NationPress) Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia has made her return to Dhaka on Tuesday after undergoing four months of medical care in London. Accompanying her were her two daughters-in-law — Zubaida Rahman, the spouse of the party's acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, and Syeda Sharmila Rahman, the widow of the late Arafat Rahman Koko.

The air ambulance, graciously provided by the Emir of Qatar, landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Tuesday morning.

Upon her journey to her residence in Gulshan, hundreds of party supporters gathered along the streets to greet her return, chanting phrases like “Welcome Khaleda Zia”, “Khaleda Zia, fear not, we haven’t left the streets”, and “Tarique Rahman, Khaleda Zia”.

Members of the armed forces and various law enforcement agencies were stationed along her route, with strict security protocols established around Khaleda’s home.

Zubaida Rahman, who has returned after 17 years in exile in London, plans to reside at her father’s home in Dhanmondi.

Prior to her arrival, BNP had sent a letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) requesting to “guarantee the safety” of Zubaida Rahman, citing potential dangers to her life as a member of the Zia family and spouse of Tarique Rahman.

Various reports indicate that Khaleda Zia’s return may intensify pressure on the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government to organize general elections in the nation.

The BNP is advocating for elections this year, asserting that essential reforms must be conducted under an elected regime, and has threatened to initiate street protests if delays continue.

Speaking to journalists at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir remarked that Khaleda Zia's return is a pivotal moment for the transition to democracy.

“Today is a momentous occasion for the nation. Her presence is crucial during this democratic transition,” stated Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

In the meantime, discussions have emerged regarding the possible return of Zia’s son, Tarique Rahman, who is “actively contemplating” stepping back into the leadership role on home ground.

Tarique, who has been steering the BNP from London, finds himself at a critical juncture. Recently acquitted in significant cases, including the August 2004 grenade attack, he faces few legal obstacles to his return.

Political analysts believe he may be gauging the political climate amidst the current turbulence under the Yunus administration, which is facing mounting pressure to implement promised reforms and hold elections.

Some political adversaries argue that Tarique Rahman is jeopardizing his wife’s safety and utilizing her as “a human shield” to ascertain whether it is secure for him to re-enter the volatile political arena of Bangladesh.

It should be noted that Khaleda Zia had been sentenced to seven years in prison and fined Tk 1 million in the Zia Charitable Trust graft case on October 29, 2018. She was incarcerated at Central Jail in Old Dhaka.

Following the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina government via a so-called student-led mass movement on August 5, Khaleda was released by the President of Bangladesh Mohammed Shahabuddin through an executive order. Subsequently, the court also annulled her prison sentences.