The former prime minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Khaleda Zia, has returned to Dhaka today, after nearly four months of advanced treatment in London. An air ambulance provided by Qatar’s Emir carrying Begum Khaleda Zia reached Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 10:30 am.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with several senior party leaders, arrived at the airport to receive Khaleda. Talking to reporters at the airport, Fakhrul expressed the hope that the return of party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia would facilitate the restoration and advancement of democracy in the country.

Khaleda Zia had travelled to London on 8th January in a special air ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar. She was admitted to the London Clinic, a private hospital, where she remained under the care of renowned specialists for 17 days. Since 25th January, she had been receiving treatment at the residence of her elder son, Tarique Rahman, who is acting chairman of BNP. Tarique Rahman is in a self-imposed exile in London and is facing corruption cases in Bangladesh. After 17 years in exile, Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of Tarique Rahman, also returned to Bangladesh with her mother-in-law.