BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said the return of party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia from London will play a crucial role in restoring democracy in Bangladesh.
Speaking to reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Fakhrul emphasized the significance of Khaleda’s homecoming amid the country’s current political landscape. “Her presence is vital for the people. We believe her return will help ease the path toward democratic restoration,” he said.
Khaleda Zia landed in Dhaka on Monday morning aboard a Qatari royal air ambulance following nearly four months of advanced medical treatment in London. She was accompanied by her daughters-in-law, including Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP’s acting chairperson Tarique Rahman.
The BNP chief had left for London on January 8 after being granted temporary release from detention to seek treatment for long-standing health issues. Fakhrul described her departure as a moment of relief after “years of repression under a fascist regime.”
“She went through extreme hardship but never gave up. Today marks not just her return, but also a new hope for our country’s political future,” he added.
Khaleda had initially received treatment at the London Clinic under the supervision of specialists Professor Patrick Kennedy and Professor Jennifer Cross. Since January 25, she had been staying at the residence of her elder son in London for ongoing care.
On Monday night, the special flight arranged by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani departed from Heathrow, making a stopover in Qatar before arriving in Dhaka at 10:42 am.
Hundreds of BNP supporters lined the nearly 10-kilometre stretch from the airport to her Gulshan residence, Firoza, waving party and national flags to welcome their leader.
Tight security was observed at Firoza on Tuesday, with members of law enforcement and armed forces deployed. Authorities restricted vehicular movement on the road in front of the residence, allowing only limited pedestrian access.
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