BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is set to return to Bangladesh from London on May 5 aboard a special air ambulance arranged by the Emir of Qatar, announced the party’s Secretary General, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, on Saturday.
Initially, plans were in place for her to travel on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight due to the unavailability of the air ambulance. However, that plan was altered at the last moment.
Speaking at a press conference, Fakhrul confirmed that Khaleda Zia will now travel by air ambulance accompanied by her two daughters-in-law, Zubaida Rahman and Sharmila Rahman.
“Everyone is enthusiastic and eagerly preparing to receive our party leader,” he added.
Fakhrul also advised the public to avoid the road from the airport to Kakoli on the day of her arrival and instead use the elevated expressway to ease congestion.
On January 8, Khaleda Zia flew to London via a special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar for advanced medical treatment and was admitted to the London Clinic upon arrival.
She was released on January 25 after 17 days of treatment and has since been staying at her elder son Tarique Rahman’s residence.
During her stay in London, she celebrated Eid with her family for the first time in over five years.
Fakhrul noted that her health has improved significantly thanks to a supportive environment and proper medical care. “Her condition has progressed enough that she has now decided to return home,” he said.
Earlier, BNP press wing member Shamsuddin Didar told the *Daily Sun* that Khaleda Zia was scheduled to depart from Heathrow Airport on a Biman flight at 6 PM (local time) on May 4, which would land in Dhaka on May 5 via Sylhet.
