BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who went to London for medical treatment on January 7 this year, is preparing to return to Bangladesh after completing her treatment.
However, the exact date and time of her return have not been finalized yet.
Reports indicate that her return is imminent, though the specifics of her travel schedule remain unclear.
Meanwhile, rumors suggest that her son, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, may also return to Bangladesh alongside her, although it has been confirmed that he will not be returning immediately.
However, he is reportedly considering the possibility of returning soon. Senior party leaders have confirmed these developments.
In recent days, both domestic and international news outlets have reported that Khaleda Zia could return to Bangladesh by May, potentially accompanied by her two daughters-in-law, Zubaida Rahman and Syeda Shamila Rahman.
When asked about this, Shairul Kabir Khan, a member of BNP's media cell, told Daily Observer that Khaleda Zia is preparing for her return. However, he emphasized that her doctors' opinions and other necessary formalities need to be addressed before a final date can be set.
He assured the media that the party is making every effort to bring her back to the country and will inform the public once everything is finalized.
He also mentioned that Tarique Rahman will indeed return to Bangladesh, adding that the party is actively working on how to position him as the next prime minister. He further stated that the party is doing everything possible to facilitate his return.
Khaleda Zia’s personal physician and BNP's permanent committee member, Professor Dr. AZM Jahid Hossain, confirmed that she will return to Bangladesh soon. He also noted that Khaleda Zia is currently staying at Tarique Rahman’s residence in London, where she is receiving care from specialist doctors.
Since the political shifts of August 5 last year, discussions about Khaleda Zia's medical trip abroad and Tarique Rahman's potential return to the country have been ongoing. Tarique Rahman has been acquitted in most cases, including the high-profile August 21 grenade attack case. The debate surrounding Khaleda Zia’s departure for London and her eventual return has continued to make headlines, with speculations about her returning with her son.
Senior leaders of the party have also commented on Tarique Rahman’s potential return to Bangladesh. They claim that there are no significant legal barriers preventing him from returning, yet the question remains: why is he not returning? And what position does he currently hold regarding his return?
Tarique Rahman’s lawyer and BNP's legal affairs secretary, Barrister Kaiser Kamal, stated that Tarique Rahman has great respect for the law, the courts, and the constitution. He assured that the legal cases against Tarique are not an obstacle and that he is actively considering his return to the country. He emphasized that Tarique will take the necessary steps in due time.
It is noteworthy that Khaleda Zia has been suffering from a range of complex health issues, including liver cirrhosis, kidney complications, heart disease, and arthritis. According to party sources, she had been imprisoned following her conviction in a corruption case in 2018. Later, under an executive order from the government, her sentence was suspended, but it came with the condition that she could not leave the country.
Over the years, several attempts to seek permission for her to go abroad for treatment were denied by the previous Awami League government. However, following changes in the political landscape after August 5, she was allowed to travel to London for advanced medical care under the interim government’s approval. After nearly a decade, she reunited with her eldest son, Tarique Rahman, and other family members.
Regarding her health condition in London, Dr. AZM Jahid Hossain stated that Khaleda Zia's health is now stable. He mentioned that after undergoing treatment for liver cirrhosis and related complications, as well as for a chronic kidney disease, her condition is under constant monitoring by specialized doctors.
Family members have expressed satisfaction with the treatment Khaleda Zia received at the Evercare Hospital in Bangladesh prior to her departure.
Many BNP leaders believe that her return to the country will revitalize the party and its activities. This is particularly crucial given the recent stagnation in the party's political activities and movements. They speculate that her return will play a vital role in reinvigorating the party and its supporters.
A senior BNP leader, speaking anonymously, said, "When Madam returns, the party's activities will regain momentum. The workers and supporters will be energized. However, her level of involvement will depend on her physical capacity."
BNP’s adviser, Zainul Abdin Faruk, stated that the party or the family has not officially confirmed Khaleda Zia’s return yet, though they have learned about it from the media. He mentioned that she is in better health and expressed hope that, upon her return, both Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman would jointly play a significant role in rebuilding the party.
Political analyst Mahyuddin Khan Mohan, however, opined that Khaleda Zia's return would not have a major impact on Bangladeshi politics unless she becomes actively involved. If she does become politically active, her influence will be noticeable, he said.
Considering her health and the government’s restrictions, political analysts suggest that BNP might need to adopt new strategies in light of the shifting political landscape.
