After four months of medical treatment abroad, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is returning home to Dhaka — a moment many in her party are calling a homecoming of hope and resilience.
The 79-year-old former Prime Minister departed London on Monday aboard a special air ambulance arranged by the Emir of Qatar.
She is expected to land in Dhaka around 10:30 am Tuesday.
Her personal physician Prof AZM Zahid Hossain who will accompany her onboard, said Khaleda Zia’s health has “improved significantly” since her January hospitalisation at the London Clinic.
Since late January, she has been recovering at her son’s residence in London.
Travelling with her are her two daughters-in-law — Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, and Syeda Shamila Rahman, widow of late Arafat Rahman Koko.
BNP leaders to accompany her included Tabith Awal and Dr Mohammad Enamul Haque Chowdhury.
As anticipation builds, BNP has readied Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan 2 residence, Firoza, for her return. Thousands of party activists are expected to line the streets in tribute, following designated points along her route from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Gulshan.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged supporters to avoid blocking roads and advised the public to use the elevated expressway during her return to ease congestion, especially since Tuesday is an SSC exam day.
In an organised plan, BNP’s affiliated organisations — from Chhatra Dal to Muktijoddha Dal — have been assigned zones along the procession route to pay their respects while maintaining discipline.
“All preparations are done. Her family has overseen every detail. Now the nation waits,” Fakhrul said, hinting at the emotional weight this return carries not just for BNP, but for millions who see her as a symbol of political endurance and personal sacrifice.