Dhaka, May 02 (V7N) – BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is scheduled to return home on Monday, May 5, after undergoing four months of treatment and rest in London, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir confirmed today.

Speaking to reporters on Friday (May 2), Fakhrul stated that the flight carrying the BNP leader is expected to land in Dhaka around 11 am. If an air ambulance is not available, she will travel on a special flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain also confirmed the news to state news agency BSS, adding that Khaleda Zia will be accompanied by her two daughters-in-law — Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, and Syeda Sharmila Rahman Sinthi, wife of the late Arafat Rahman Coco.

"Madam's condition is much improved. If all goes well, she will return on May 5," said Dr. Zahid Hossain.

Reliable BNP sources have stated that although air ambulance services are not fully available, Khaleda Zia’s medical team in London, with oversight from her son Tarique Rahman, is ensuring that she receives the best possible care and travel support. She will be accompanied by eight individuals during her return, including Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, Chairperson’s advisor Dr. Aminul Haque Chowdhury, APS Masudur Rahman, and two housekeepers, Fatema Begum and Rupa Haque.

Khaleda Zia, a three-time former Prime Minister, was arrested in 2018 in connection with two corruption cases and imprisoned in Old Dhaka Central Jail. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was released on humanitarian grounds by the then government.

Following a mass uprising by students and the public on August 5 last year, the Awami League government fell, and Khaleda Zia was formally released by an executive order issued by President Md. Shahabuddin. The court subsequently quashed the verdicts in the two cases for which she had been imprisoned.

She was flown to London on January 8, 2025, for advanced medical treatment. After 17 days of hospital care, she moved to her son Tarique Rahman’s residence in London on January 25. This year marked the first time in over half a century that she celebrated Eid with her family abroad.

Previously, Khaleda Zia spent four consecutive Eids in prison or under medical supervision at BSMMU while incarcerated. She has long been battling multiple health complications, including liver cirrhosis, kidney and heart issues, diabetes, and arthritis. She is currently undergoing full medical evaluation and care at Tarique Rahman's residence in London.

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