Khaleda Zia likely to return home Monday

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is expected to return to Bangladesh from London on either Sunday (May 4), or Monday (May 5), depending on the availability of an air ambulance, her private secretary ABM Abdus Sattar confirmed Thursday night.

“Madam (Khaleda Zia) may return home on May 4 if we can secure an air ambulance. However, that has not been arranged yet. We’re trying. If it’s not possible, she will return on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight,” said Sattar.

If the air ambulance cannot be arranged in time, Khaleda Zia is expected to take a regular Biman flight scheduled to depart London at 11:00 am (Bangladesh time) on Monday, May 5. She will be accompanied by her two daughters-in-law—Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, and Syeda Sharmila Rahman Sithi, widow of the late Arafat Rahman Koko.

Khaleda Zia has been receiving treatment in London since January 8, when she was flown there for advanced medical care. The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, had arranged a special air ambulance to facilitate her travel to the UK following reports of her deteriorating health.

She was admitted to The London Clinic for 17 days and was discharged on January 25. Since then, she has been residing at her son Tarique Rahman’s home in London, where her ongoing treatment is being managed.

The 79-year-old former prime minister has long been suffering from multiple health issues, including liver cirrhosis, kidney and heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Her potential return marks a significant moment for the BNP amid evolving political developments in Bangladesh.