Khaleda Zia's return: A sigh of relief for BNP

After nearly four months of medical treatment abroad, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s return to the country has been seen by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as inspirational, hopeful, and relieving. Party leaders and activists believe that her return will strengthen the party's role in the nation's reconstruction amid ongoing changes.

This morning, when BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s air ambulance landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:40am, thousands of party leaders and activists from various levels were waiting along the road from the airport to her residence. After completing the formalities, the convoy left the airport for her residence, Firoza, at 11:20am. On the way, she was warmly greeted by party workers and arrived at her home in Gulshan at 1:25pm.

Party leaders say that while discussions about "minus-two" are ongoing in the country, Khaleda Zia left for the UK for medical treatment. On one hand, BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has been living abroad for the past 17 years, and on the other hand, Khaleda Zia's departure abroad has caused discomfort among party leaders and activists.

Advocate Mamunur Rashid, Joint Convener of the Dhaka District Swechhasebak Dal, standing in front of Dhaka Airport, told Views Bangladesh, "I am not sure if any political leader from the third world could rise higher than this. She (Khaleda Zia) has now become a symbol of national unity, dignity, and security. Her return has not only reassured BNP leaders and activists, but it has also stirred the emotions of the youth across the country."

"Her arrival has not only boosted the confidence of the party leaders and activists but will also accelerate the party's activities with the presence of a beloved guardian. We believe that with the guidance and thoughtful advice from Khaleda Zia's extensive experience, our leader Tarique Rahman will take well-considered steps to move the country forward," he added.

BNP Chairperson's Advisor, Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, said, "The leaders and activists of the party began to feel relieved after Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Zia's cases were dropped. However, we are still uncertain about how long it will take to resolve all the cases. Meanwhile, when BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia went abroad last January, the 'minus-two theory' panic started to resurface among us. But now, with her return to the country, that fear has begun to fade. Now, we are waiting for Tarique Rahman’s return to the country."

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed hope that the return of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will pave the way for the advancement of democracy.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, "Khaleda Zia has been a victim of fascist oppression for a long time. After the end of fascism, she was released from imprisonment and went abroad for medical treatment. After nearly four months of treatment, she is returning to the country today. This is a joyous day for us and for the nation."

Political analyst and Professor of Law Department at Dhaka University, Hafizur Rahman Karzon, said, "Khaleda Zia’s return to the country will inspire BNP leaders and activists, making them more motivated. Meanwhile, Tarique Rahman is still abroad, but through various activities, his return is becoming easier. This will have a positive impact on BNP’s political plans and future leadership."

Khaleda Zia began her prison sentence after being convicted in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case on February 8, 2018, receiving a five-year sentence. She was later convicted in the Zia Charitable Trust corruption case as well. After spending more than 25 months in prison, Khaleda Zia was released in March 2021 for six months under a conditional executive order from the government, following a family request for humanitarian grounds. Although she stayed in a rented house in Gulshan, she was effectively under house arrest. Despite her sentence being suspended under the executive order, Khaleda Zia spent the following four years in and out of the hospital, suffering from various health issues. Despite multiple requests, the Awami League government denied her permission to go abroad for medical treatment.

After the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5, Khaleda Zia was released from house arrest on August 6. After her release, on August 7 at around 4:30pm, she expressed her gratitude to the student protesters through a video message from a hospital in the capital. Prior to this, Khaleda Zia had last addressed a political rally before her arrest in 2018.

Before going abroad for treatment, BNP Chairperson's personal doctor, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, stated that the former Prime Minister is suffering from various complications, including liver cirrhosis, heart disease, lung issues, arthritis, kidney problems, and diabetes.

At Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, she had to undergo long-term treatment under the supervision of a medical board with a team of specialists, and her doctor emphasized the urgency of taking her abroad for proper treatment. As a result, Khaleda Zia went to the United Kingdom for medical treatment nearly four months ago.